又 yòu · 再 zài · 还 hái
Three Chinese words usually translated as “again” in English — here is how to master the differences in timing and repetition.
In English, the word “again” covers almost every form of repetition. In Mandarin, however, repetition is split based on time and status: use 又 yòu for actions that have already happened again, 再 zài for actions that will happen in the future (unrealized), and 还 hái for premeditated, routine, or progressive additions.
又 yòu
Adverb · Already-Happened Repetition又 yòu indicates that an action or event has already repeated (often paired with 了 at the end of the sentence). It often expresses repeated events, repeated situations, or complaints.
Subject + 又 + Verb Phrase (+ 了)再 zài
Adverb · Future / Imperative Repetition再 zài is used when the repeated action is yet to happen in the future. It is the only “again” word allowed in commands, requests, or imperative sentences.
Subject + 再 + Verb Phrase还 hái
Adverb · Scheduled / Progressive Addition还 hái also indicates a future repetition, but it typically implies a prearranged, scheduled, or routine continuation, or adding more of the same action.
Subject + 還还 + 要 / 会 / 想 + VerbUnlike 再 zài and 又 yòu, 还 hái cannot directly connect with a verb. It needs to be structured as 还 + 要 yào / 会 huì / 想 xiǎng + V.
重 chóng
Adverb · Complete RestartWhen you want to emphasize repeating an entire process or starting something all over again from the beginning (re-do / start afresh), you can use 重 chóng or compounds like 重新 (chóngxīn).
重 / 重新 + Verb PhraseQuick Comparison
| Word | Core Meaning | Typical Structure |
|---|---|---|
| 又 | repetition that already happened | Subject + 又 + Verb (+ 了) |
| 再 | repetition not yet happened; the only option in commands | Subject + 再 + Verb |
| 還还 | scheduled, routine, or progressive addition | Subject + 还 + 要 / 会 / 想 + Verb |
| 重 | complete restart from the beginning | 重 / 重新 + Verb Phrase |
Practice Quiz
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