Grammar Point:
Both 再 zài and 又 yòu indicate the repetition of the same action and can be translated to “again” in English. However, 又 yòu is used when the repeated action has happened again and there is often a 了 le at the end of the sentence. In contrast, 再 zài is used when the repeated action has not happened yet.
Structure
S + 再 zài + V
It can be used in an imperative sentence. When there is an optative verb, always put 再 zài after it. Remember, it is used to indicate something that has happened already and may happen again in the future.
妳說錯了,請你再說一次妳说错了,请你再说一次
You’re wrong. Please say it again.
(An imperative sentence)
她今天不在家,你明天再來吧她今天不在家,你明天再来吧
She is not at home today, come back again tomorrow.
我絕對不會再去那家餐廳我绝对不会再去那家餐厅
I will never go back to that restaurant again.
再給你一次機會再给你一次机会
Give you another chance.
你要不要再試試?你要不要再试试?
Do you want to try again?
我再相信你就是笨蛋我再相信你就是笨蛋
I’ll be a fool to trust you again.
您撥的號碼是空號,請查明後再撥您拨的号码是空号,请查明后再拨
The number you dialed is not in service. Please verify it and try again.
S + 再 zài + V + 一下/一会儿/一些/点儿
It means keep doing something a little longer or more.
我們再聊一下我们再聊一下
Let’s chat some more.
你再多跟我說一些台灣的事你再多跟我说一些台湾的事儿
Tell me more about Taiwan.
可以幫我再加一點茶嗎?可以帮我再加一点儿茶吗?
Could you add a bit more tea for me?
你再等一會兒,菜馬上就好了你再等一会儿,菜马上就好了
Please wait a moment; the food will be ready soon.
S + 又 yòu + V
又 yòu is used to indicate something that has happened before and is happening again now or in the past. It is often used with a 了 le at the end of the sentence. However, 又 yòu can also be used in a hypothetical action. If there is an optative verb (such as 想 xiǎng, 要 yào, 希望 xīwàng), always put 又 yòu before it.
妳上次說錯,這次又說錯了妳上次说错,这次又说错了
You were wrong last time, and you’re wrong again this time.
妳上次說錯,這次又說錯了妳上次说错,这次又说错了
I told you she wasn’t home today, so why did you come again?
如果我又想去那家餐廳,那我一定是醉了如果我又想去那家餐厅,那我一定是醉了
If I want to go to that restaurant again, then I must be drunk.
(hypothesis action)
你不要又想騙我你不要又想骗我
Don’t try to deceive me again.
你這次又沒帶錢包嗎?你这次又没带钱包吗?
Did you forget your wallet this time too?
這是他第五次喝金門高粱酒,他又喝醉了这是他第五次喝金门高粱酒,他又喝醉了
This is the fifth time he’s had Kinmen Kaoliang liquor, and he’s drunk again.

FYI
Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor, originating from Taiwan’s Kinmen island, is a revered spirit renowned for its robust essence. Created primarily from sorghum using time-honored techniques, it boasts a potent alcohol content, typically ranging from 38% to 63% ABV. Its distinctive flavor melds earthy and peppery undertones with a hint of sweetness, culminating in a memorable tasting adventure. More than just a libation, this elixir embodies Kinmen’s rich cultural legacy and unwavering spirit. It holds a pivotal role in Taiwanese traditions, savored neat, over ice, or as a cocktail base. Certain bottles, especially aged and limited editions, have evolved into coveted collector’s items due to their striking packaging. Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor stands as a genuine Taiwanese treasure, beckoning exploration of its daring taste and cultural origins.
Practice
TouchHover over the space to see the answers.
✔️ I’ve decided to learn a new language again.
我決定再學一個新的語言我决定再学一个新的语言
✔️ I gave up learning languages again because of my busy work schedule.
因為工作很多,我又放棄學語言了因为工作很多,我又放弃学语言了
✔️ I’d like to add a bit more sugar.
我想再加一點糖我想再加一点儿糖
- “Again” in Chinese 2 – 再次 zàicì (HSK 5)
- “Again” in Chinese
又 yòu, 再 zài, 还 hái, and 重 chóng