Comparing “fǎnfù” and “zàisān / yízài”
反复 vs 再三 / 一再
How it works
All three words relate to repetition, but their focus differs.
反复 (fǎnfù) emphasizes repeated process, repeated cycles, or back-and-forth recurrence. It can also describe fluctuation.
再三 (zàisān) emphasizes repeated urging, asking, reminding, or insisting, often in a deliberate and emphatic way.
一再 (yízài) emphasizes repeated occurrence over time, often in a relatively formal narrative style.
Example sentences
关于这个方案，我们已经反复讨论过多次，但核心分歧始终没有真正解决。
We have repeatedly discussed this plan many times, but the core disagreement has never truly been resolved.
我已经再三提醒过你，这份材料一旦出错，后面的影响会非常大。
I have reminded you again and again that once there is an error in these materials, the later impact will be very great.
他一再表示自己无意参与这场争论，可别人显然并不完全相信。
He repeatedly stated that he had no intention of participating in this argument, but others evidently did not fully believe him.
Key point
反复 (fǎnfù) = repeated process / recurrence / fluctuation 再三 (zàisān) = repeated urging or emphasis 一再 (yízài) = repeated occurrence or repeated statement over time