How to use 再；又
再 + intended repeat; 又 + recurring event
再 commonly introduces a repeat that is being requested, planned, or considered, while 又 often presents an event as recurring in the situation being reported. This explains the useful beginner distinction between a future repeat and an already realized repeat. However, Chinese does not assign these words rigid grammatical tenses, and the full construction can change the interpretation.
再 can also introduce another item or mark the next step after an earlier action. 又 may accompany 要, 可以, or other wording about an upcoming recurrence, often adding surprise or impatience. Keep those established patterns separate from a simple request to repeat something, where 再 is normally appropriate. Context and viewpoint matter alongside the event's time.
Examples with pinyin and English
我们下次再来吧。
We will come here again next time.
我想再看一下。
I want to take another look.
你怎么又给我打电话了，什么事？
Why do you keep calling me? What is it?
这个人又来了。
This guy is here again.
What to remember
- Use 再 for an intended or requested repeat.
- Recognize 又 with an expected upcoming recurrence.
- Separate repetition from 再 used for the next step.
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Source and editorial notes
Explanation rewritten for Laowai. Examples are adapted from the Laowai English grammar curriculum, with editorial corrections where needed. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
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