不再

• Pinyin: bù zài
• Hanzi breakdown: 不 = negation; 再 = one + 冂 + 土, again

Meaning

No longer; not anymore. Indicates cessation of a previous action or state.

Used to express that something which used to happen or exist has stopped. Often carries emotional weight, suggesting finality or a deliberate decision to change. Common in both spoken and written Chinese to mark a clear break with the past.

Examples

1. 经历了这次教训，他决定不再轻信别人的承诺。 After this lesson, he decided to no longer easily trust others' promises.
2. 那家老店关门后，这条街就不再热闹了。 After that old shop closed, this street was no longer lively.
3. 医生警告他如果不再戒烟，身体会越来越差。 The doctor warned him that if he doesn't quit smoking, his health will only get worse.

Usage Guide

Context: decision, change, finality

Tone: resolute

Do Say

• 我不再相信他说的话了。(I no longer believe what he says.)
• 她决定不再为这件事烦恼。(She decided not to worry about this matter anymore.)

Don't Say

• 不要把'不再'和'再不'混淆 (Don't confuse 不再 with 再不 — 不再 means 'no longer,' while 再不 means 'if not again' as in 再不走就迟到了)

Origin & History

Compound of 不 (not) + 再 (again). Expresses the negation of repetition or continuation.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal