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一再 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
一再yízàirepeatedlyHSK 6, d, rank #14378, Hard
yízài(yi2zai4) T1
  1. 1repeatedly
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
一再yízài(yi2zai4)

The term 一再 (yī zài) means 'repeatedly' or 'over and over again.' It is commonly used to emphasize the recurrence of an action or event, often conveying a sense of frustration or insistence when something happens multiple times.

Frequency#14378DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

The concept of persistence is highly valued in Chinese culture, often associated with determination and resilience. Using 一再 in conversations can highlight the importance of perseverance in achieving goals.

Memory Tip

Think of 一 (one) as a single action happening again and again — like a repetitive loop. Visualize a person pressing a 'repeat' button on a music player, symbolizing the action of doing something 一再 (repeatedly).

Meanings of 一再

yízài(yi2zai4)
1repeatedly
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 一再

一再Simplified
Strokes
Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#14378Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1

Podcast: 一再

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Podcast: 一再

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AI Study Notes for 一再

Quick Contrast

再三 (zài sān) — use 一再 when emphasizing repetition with a sense of frustration, while 再三 conveys a more neutral sense of repeated actions.

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 一 (one) as a single action happening again and again — like a repetitive loop. Visualize a person pressing a 'repeat' button on a music player, symbolizing the action of doing something 一再 (repeatedly).

Usage Notes

Be cautious not to confuse 一再 with other similar terms like 再次 (zài cì), which means 'once again' and can imply a different context. 一再 is more emphatic and often carries a negative connotation when discussing annoyance or insistence.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 5 vocabulary word, 一再 connects with other terms related to frequency and repetition, such as 反复 (fǎn fù) meaning 'repeatedly' or 'back and forth.' Focus on using it in sentences to express persistence and practice its tone accurately.

Cultural Note

The concept of persistence is highly valued in Chinese culture, often associated with determination and resilience. Using 一再 in conversations can highlight the importance of perseverance in achieving goals.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mix up 一再 with 再次, using it in contexts where a neutral tone is required, such as 'I will do it 一再' instead of 'I will do it 再次.' Remember, 一再 conveys a stronger feeling of frustration.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 一再

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Component Characters

one
HSK 11 strokes
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zàiagain
HSK 16 strokes
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Write 一再

Practice writing 一再 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 一再

一再 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

他____表示自己不会出席这次会议。

He repeatedly stated that he would not attend this meeting.

Example Sentences for 一再 (4)

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1
我并不是要一再批评他对工作的专注。

wǒ bìng bù shì yào yī zài pī píng tā duì gōng zuò de zhuān zhù。

I don't mean to keep criticising his devotion to his job.
2
热情的女招待会一再推荐,最后点的餐多到吃不下!

rè qíng de nǚ zhāo dài huì yī zài tuī jiàn, , zuì hòu diǎn de cān duō dào chī bù!

Jovial ladies chivvy you into ordering more than you can eat!
3
他一再读错单词,而且说话含含糊糊的。

tā yī zài dú cuò dān cí, , ér qiě shuō huà hán hán hū hū。

He repeatedly mispronounced words and slurred his speech.
4
如果火车一再晚点,持铁路季票的人会得到退款。

rú guǒ huǒ chē yī zài wǎn diǎn, , chí tiě lù jì piào de rén huì dé dào tuì。

People with rail season tickets will get refunds if trains are persistently late.

Cultural Notes for 一再

🏮Cultural insight

The concept of persistence is highly valued in Chinese culture, often associated with determination and resilience. Using 一再 in conversations can highlight the importance of perseverance in achieving goals.

Frequently Asked Questions about 一再

Yes, 一再 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of the tone and implications.