HSK 4

频率、重复副词:一再、再三

pín lǜ 、 chóng fù fù cí : yí zài 、 zài sān

Adverbs of frequency, repetition: 一再、再三

Explanation

一再 (yīzài) and 再三 (zàisān) are both adverbs (words that modify verbs), meaning "repeatedly, time and again", used to emphasize that an action is repeated.

Structure

subject (the doer) + 一再/再三 (yīzài/zàisān) + verb. This adverb always comes BEFORE the verb.

When to use

when you want to emphasize that someone does something over and over out of persistence, effort, or anxiety, such as reminding, explaining, requesting, or affirming. 一再 often goes with 表示 (biǎoshì, to express), 强调 (qiángdiào, to emphasize), 要求 (yāoqiú, to request); 再三 often goes with 解释 (jiěshì, to explain), 叮嘱 (dīngzhǔ, to urge/exhort), 劝说 (quànshuō, to persuade).

Distinguish

一再 and 再三 have nearly the same meaning and are often interchangeable; 再三 sounds slightly more classical and usually stresses urging or advising. Both differ from 又 (yòu) / 再 (zài, again) in that they emphasize a HIGH NUMBER OF TIMES rather than merely saying "once more".

Common mistakes

placing them in the wrong position, putting the verb first and then 一再/再三; the correct order is 再三 followed by the verb. Also, do not use these two words for an action that happens only once.

Examples

他一再表示自己不会出席这次会议。
zàibiǎoshìhuìchūzhèhuì

He repeatedly stated that he would not attend this meeting.

我再三解释,他还是不相信。
zàisānjiěshìháishìxiāngxìn

I explained again and again, but he still didn't believe me.

Practice

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Learn “频率、重复副词:一再、再三” effectively

The grammar point “频率、重复副词:一再、再三” (Adverbs of frequency, repetition: 一再、再三) is one of the key structures at HSK 4. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.

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