Use 再 zài for a repeat that’s still ahead of you — a request, a plan, an instruction. Use 又 yòu for a repeat that has already happened, often paired with 了 le at the end of the sentence. 又 yòu can also describe a hypothetical repeat when it comes before an optative verb like 想 xiǎng or 要 yào.

1 Structure

S + 再 zài + V

Works in imperative sentences too. If there’s an optative verb, 再 zài always goes right after it — this marks something that’s happened before and may happen again in the future.

S + 再 zài + V + 一下/一會兒一会儿/一些/點兒点儿

This means keep doing something a little longer, or do a bit more of it.

S + 又 yòu + V

Points at something that happened before and is happening again now, usually with 了 le at the end. 又 yòu can also mark a hypothetical repeat — if there’s an optative verb (想 xiǎng, 要 yào, 希望 xīwàng), 又 yòu goes right before it.

Cultural Note: 金門高粱酒 Jīnmén Gāoliángjiǔ

Kaoliang liquor comes from Kinmen, a small Taiwanese island near the coast of mainland China, and it’s distilled from sorghum rather than rice. It’s known for being strong — commonly in the high-30s to 60%+ ABV range — with an earthy, slightly peppery flavor. It shows up often at Taiwanese banquets and toasts, and older or limited-edition bottles are sometimes collected for their packaging as much as what’s inside.

2 Practice

Translate each sentence into Chinese, then tap the card to check your answer.