HSK 3 · VERSION 2.0#84

Comparing “zài” and “yòu”

再 vs 又

zài vs yòu

How it works

Both can mean “again,” but they are used in different situations.

再 = again in the future 又 = again in the past or in a repeated current situation

明天我们再谈吧。

Míngtiān wǒmen zài tán ba.

Let’s talk again tomorrow.

他昨天又迟到了。

Tā zuótiān yòu chídào le.

He was late again yesterday.

你先想一想，等会儿再回答。

Nǐ xiān xiǎng yì xiǎng, děnghuìr zài huídá.

Think first, then answer again later.

This contrast is one of the most important for HSK3 learners.