While 又 (yòu) is used for “again” in the past, 再 (zài) is used for “again” in the future. That is, 再 is used when something has happened once, and it will happen again.
Used as “Again”:
Remember this is the future “again.”
Structure: Subj. + 再 + [Verb Phrase]
Examples:
我们明年再来。(wǒmen míngnián zài lái) = We’ll come again next year.
再试一下。(zài shì yīxià) = Try it again.
你可以再说一遍吗？(nǐ kěyǐ zài shuō yī biàn ma) = Can you say it again?
这本书我要再看一遍。(zhè běn shū wǒ yào zài kàn yī biàn) = I want to read this book again.
你应该再复习一遍。(nǐ yīnggāi zài fùxí yī biàn) = You should review it again.
In fact, this structure is present in one of the most common Chinese phrases: “再见!” In this case, it literally means “see you again.”
Used as “Another” or “Some More”:
The English word “another” is often avoided altogether by using 再.
Structure: Subj. + 再 + Verb + Obj.
In this case, the object includes a quantity phrase.
Examples:
再吃一点。(zài chī yīdiǎn) = Eat some more.
再点几个菜吧。(zài diǎn jǐ gè cài ba) = Let’s order some more dishes.
服务员，再来两瓶啤酒。(fúwùyuán, zài lái liǎng píng píjiǔ) = Waiter, two more bottles of beer, please.
再给我三天时间。(zài gěi wǒ sān tiān shíjiān) = Give me another three days.
我能不能再拿两个？(wǒ néng bu néng zài ná liǎng gè) = Can I take two more?
Used for Continuous Action:
Here 再 is similar to the English “for a while longer” or “keep [going/doing].”
Structure: Subj. + 再 + Verb + Verb
Examples:
再找找。(zài zhǎozhao) = Keep looking.
你再问问。 (nǐ zài wènwen) = Keep asking.
别急，再想想。(bié jí, zài xiǎngxiang) = Don’t worry. Keep thinking.
You can also add 一会儿 after the verb to mean “keep doing something a little longer.”
再聊一会儿。(zài liáo yīhuǐr) = Keep talking for a little bit.
再等一会儿。(zài děng yīhuǐr) = Wait a little longer.
You can use either the “Verb + Verb” pattern or the 一会儿 pattern with 再, but don’t use them together.
Post time: Apr-01-2020