Frequency Adverbs: 偶尔 & 再次
频率、重复副词：偶尔、再次
Use 偶尔 to express "occasionally" and 再次 to express "once again" in formal contexts
偶尔 is placed before the verb to mean "occasionally / once in a while." 再次 is placed before the verb to mean "once again / a second time" and is more formal than 又 or 再.
偶尔 implies something happens rarely and irregularly — less frequent than 有时候. 再次 is commonly used in formal writing, speeches, and news to indicate repetition.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Frequency Adverbs: 偶尔 & 再次 (频率、重复副词：偶尔、再次)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 频率、重复副词：偶尔、再次 pattern
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Understanding 频率、重复副词：偶尔、再次
These two adverbs refine your ability to talk about frequency and repetition. 偶尔 (ǒuěr) means "occasionally" — it describes events that happen rarely and without a regular pattern. While 有时候 (sometimes) suggests moderate frequency, 偶尔 emphasizes rarity: it happens, but only once in a while. It is perfect for describing habits you rarely indulge in or events that catch you by surprise. 再次 (zàicì) means "once again" or "a second time." It is more formal than 又 (which marks completed repetition) or 再 (which marks future repetition). You will encounter 再次 in news headlines, official statements, and formal speeches. A news anchor might say 总统再次访问中国, and a speaker might say 再次感谢大家. Using 再次 elevates your register and shows command of formal Chinese.
Key Points
- 偶尔 (ǒuěr) = "occasionally / once in a while" — less frequent than 有时候.
- 偶尔 emphasizes rarity and irregularity of occurrence.
- 再次 (zàicì) = "once again / a second time" — formal repetition.
- 再次 is more formal than 又 (completed) or 再 (planned).
- 再次 is common in speeches: 再次感谢 (thank once again), 再次强调 (emphasize once again).
- 偶尔 can also function as an adjective: 这是偶尔的现象 (This is an occasional phenomenon).
In Chinese formal speeches and ceremonies, 再次 appears frequently as a courtesy expression. 再次感谢各位的到来 (Once again, thank you all for coming) is a standard closing phrase at events, reflecting Chinese emphasis on gratitude and politeness in formal settings.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
他不常请假，只是偶尔迟到一次。
He rarely takes time off — he is just occasionally late.
我们决不让类似的事情再次发生。
We will never let a similar incident happen again.
我偶尔会去那家咖啡馆坐坐。
I occasionally go sit in that cafe.
他再次获得了冠军。
He won the championship once again.
工作太忙，偶尔放松一下也好。
Work is so busy — it is nice to relax once in a while.
再次感谢大家的支持！
Once again, thank you all for your support!
Common Mistakes
偶尔 (occasionally) and 每天 (every day) contradict each other. Choose one: rare or daily.
Time words go before or at the beginning of the sentence, not at the end. Also, for casual speech about yesterday, 又 is more natural than the formal 再次.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Frequency spectrum: 从不 → 偶尔 → 有时候 → 经常/时常 → 总是. Place 偶尔 near the "rare" end.
Use 再次 in formal emails and speeches to sound polished: 再次感谢, 再次强调, 再次道歉.
When describing your habits honestly, 偶尔 is your friend: 我偶尔吃快餐 sounds more believable than 我从不吃快餐.
Remember: 再次 is the formal cousin of 又 (past repetition) and 再 (future repetition).
Homework
Write about your lifestyle habits using 偶尔 for things you rarely do and 再次 in two formal sentences (e.g., thanking someone, emphasizing a point, or describing an achievement).