HSK 3
关联副词：再
guān lián fù cí ： zài
The connector '再' expressing time sequence
Explanation
再 (zài) here is an adverb (a word that modifies a verb) indicating a sequential relationship, meaning "then, only then". It shows that the second action only happens AFTER the first action is completed.
Verb 1 (usually with 完 wán "finished" or 了 le) + 再 (zài) + Verb 2. For example 做完作业再玩 (zuò wán zuòyè zài wán - finish the homework, then play).
when arranging which task is done first and which comes later; emphasizing that the first task must be finished before moving on to the second.
再 (zài) differs from 又 (yòu). 再 is used for an action that has NOT yet happened (planned to repeat/continue in the future); 又 is used for an action that has ALREADY been repeated.
placing 再 at the end of the sentence, or forgetting that 再 must come right before the second verb. 再 cannot stand alone at the end of a sentence.
Examples
Let's finish the homework, then play games.
Wash your hands, then eat the fruit.
Practice
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Learn “关联副词：再” effectively
The grammar point “关联副词：再” (The connector '再' expressing time sequence) is one of the key structures at HSK 3. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
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