zàicì: 再次 - Again, Once More
Quick Summary
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Summary: Learn how to use 再次 (zàicì), the common Chinese word for 'again' or 'once more'. This guide explains the meaning of zàicì, its practical usage in modern Chinese, and the crucial grammatical difference between 再次 (zàicì) and the similar word 又 (yòu). Perfect for beginner and intermediate learners, our page provides clear examples and analysis to help you understand when to use 再次 for a future or requested action, mastering a key concept in Chinese grammar.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): zàicì
Part of Speech: Adverb
HSK Level: HSK 3
Concise Definition: Indicates the repetition of an action, typically one that has not yet occurred or is being requested.
In a Nutshell: 再次 (zàicì) is the Chinese way of saying “once again” or “one more time,” usually in a slightly more formal context. Think of it as looking forward to a repetition. You use it when you're asking someone to “please say that again,” announcing that you will “try again” tomorrow, or welcoming someone “again” to your store. It's about an 'again' that is yet to happen.
Character Breakdown
再 (zài): This character's core meaning is “again” or “once more.” It inherently points towards a future or potential repetition. A classic example is the word for “goodbye,”
再见 (zàijiàn), which literally means “see you again.”
次 (cì): This character means “time” in the sense of an occurrence or instance. It's the measure word for actions, like in
第一次 (dì yī cì) - “the first time” or
两次 (liǎng cì) - “twice.”
Together, 再次 (zàicì) literally translates to “again-time.” This combination emphasizes the repetition of an action as a distinct, subsequent event. This gives it a more deliberate, formal, and complete feeling than using 再 (zài) by itself.
Cultural Context and Significance
While “again” might not seem culturally deep, the choice between 再次 (zàicì) and its more common cousin 又 (yòu) reveals a lot about formality and intent in Chinese communication.
Using 再次 (zàicì) signals a level of politeness, seriousness, or formality. It's the linguistic equivalent of putting on a slightly nicer shirt. In Western culture, this is similar to the difference between a casual “He did it again” and a more formal announcement like, “We will once again review the procedures.”
In customer service, business, or official settings, using 再次 shows respect and professionalism. A sign saying “欢迎再次光临” (Welcome to visit again) feels more formal and established than a casual “再来啊!” (Come again!). It reflects an understanding of social appropriateness (礼貌, lǐmào) and is a subtle way to show you are a considerate and educated speaker.
Practical Usage in Modern China
再次 is extremely common in both spoken and written Chinese, but it shines in specific contexts.
Formal Settings: It is the default choice in speeches, news broadcasts, and official announcements.
Written Communication: You will frequently see 再次 in emails, reports, public signs, and instructions.
Polite Requests: When asking someone to repeat an action, using 再次 is more polite than other alternatives.
Expressing Renewed Intention: It's used to talk about trying something again in the future, often after a failure or a break.
Its connotation is generally neutral or positive, focusing on the simple fact of a future repetition.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
欢迎您再次光临！
Pinyin: Huānyíng nín zàicì guānglín!
English: Welcome again! (Lit: Welcome you to grace us with your presence once more!)
Analysis: This is a classic, polite phrase used in shops and restaurants. It's a formal and respectful way to invite a customer back in the future.
Example 2:
请再次检查你的答案。
Pinyin: Qǐng zàicì jiǎnchá nǐ de dá'àn.
English: Please check your answers again.
Analysis: A common instruction from a teacher or on an exam. It's a formal request for a future action (checking).
Example 3:
他希望能再次见到她。
Pinyin: Tā xīwàng néng zàicì jiàn dào tā.
English: He hopes he can see her again.
Analysis: This refers to a hope for a future meeting. The repetition has not yet happened.
Example 4:
我想再次强调这个计划的重要性。
Pinyin: Wǒ xiǎng zàicì qiángdiào zhège jìhuà de zhòngyàoxìng.
English: I want to re-emphasize the importance of this plan.
Analysis: Used in a meeting or formal discussion to bring attention back to a key point. The act of emphasizing is about to happen again.
Example 5:
这部电影太感人了，我想再次观看。
Pinyin: Zhè bù diànyǐng tài gǎnrén le, wǒ xiǎng zàicì guānkàn.
English: This movie is so touching, I want to watch it again.
Analysis: The speaker is expressing a desire to repeat an action in the future.
Example 6:
这个问题我们明天开会时会再次讨论。
Pinyin: Zhège wèntí wǒmen míngtiān kāihuì shí huì zàicì tǎolùn.
English: We will discuss this problem again during the meeting tomorrow.
Analysis: A clear example of 再次 referring to a planned future repetition.
Example 7:
如果再次发生同样的问题，请立即联系我们。
Pinyin: Rúguǒ zàicì fāshēng tóngyàng de wèntí, qǐng lìjí liánxì wǒmen.
English: If the same problem occurs again, please contact us immediately.
Analysis: Used in a conditional “if” statement about a potential future event.
Example 8:
两国领导人下个月将再次会晤。
Pinyin: Liǎng guó lǐngdǎorén xià gè yuè jiāng zàicì huìwù.
English: The leaders of the two countries will meet again next month.
Analysis: Common in formal news reporting to describe a scheduled future event.
Example 9:
感谢您的耐心，请您再次描述一下情况。
Pinyin: Gǎnxiè nín de nàixīn, qǐng nín zàicì miáoshù yīxià qíngkuàng.
English: Thank you for your patience, please describe the situation one more time.
Analysis: A very polite and formal phrase used in customer service or official inquiries.
Example 10:
我不希望这样的错误再次出现。
Pinyin: Wǒ bù xīwàng zhèyàng de cuòwù zàicì chūxiàn.
English: I don't want this kind of mistake to appear again.
Analysis: Expressing a wish to prevent a future repetition.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
The single most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 再次 (zàicì) and 又 (yòu). They both mean “again,” but they are not interchangeable.
The Golden Rule: Tense & Timing
再次 (zàicì) → FUTURE / HYPOTHETICAL: Use it for actions that have not yet been repeated, but are planned, hoped for, or being requested.
又 (yòu) → PAST / COMPLETED: Use it for actions that have already been repeated.
Example of Incorrect Usage:
WRONG: 昨天他再次迟到了。(Zuótiān tā zàicì chídào le.)
Why it's wrong: “昨天” (yesterday) places the action firmly in the past. The “again” has already happened.
CORRECT: 昨天他又迟到了。(Zuótiān tā yòu chídào le.)
Example of Correct Usage:
The Rule of Formality & Tone
再次 (zàicì): More formal, written, polite, and generally neutral.
又 (yòu): More colloquial, spoken, and can often carry an emotional tone like surprise, excitement, or annoyance.
Compare the feeling:
“你又忘了！” (Nǐ yòu wàng le!) - “You forgot again!” (Sounds impatient or exasperated).
“请您再次确认。” (Qǐng nín zàicì quèrèn.) - “Please confirm again.” (Sounds like a polite, neutral instruction).
Mistaking these two is a classic beginner error, so mastering this distinction will make your Chinese sound much more natural.
又 (yòu) - The most important related term. It also means “again” but is used for actions that have already happened. It is also more informal.
再 (zài) - The single character for “again.” It is used for future actions like 再次, but is less formal. Often used in commands like
再来一个 (zàilái yīgè) - “One more!”
再一次 (zài yī cì) - Literally “again one time.” Very similar in meaning and usage to 再次, but is slightly more emphatic and very common in spoken requests.
重复 (chóngfù) - A verb meaning “to repeat” or “to duplicate.” It describes the act of repeating, whereas 再次 is an adverb describing when an action happens (again).
再三 (zàisān) - Means “repeatedly” or “again and again.” It implies an action has been done multiple times, often to persuade or warn someone.
e.g., 我再三警告他 (I warned him again and again).
重来 (chónglái) - A verb meaning “to do over” or “to start again from the beginning.” This is used when you want to scrap the previous attempt and start fresh.