Once Again: The Formal 再度
频率副词：再度
Use 再度 to express "once again" in formal contexts, emphasizing the significance of a repeated occurrence
再度 means "once again / for a second time" in formal Chinese. It emphasizes that something significant is happening again after a previous occurrence, often with a sense of importance or ceremony.
再度 is more formal and literary than 再次 or 又. It is commonly used in news, literary prose, and formal speech. It often implies that the second occurrence is noteworthy — a reunion, a comeback, an achievement repeated. It typically refers to something happening for the second time, not for the third or fourth.
Lesson Targets
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Podcast: Once Again: The Formal 再度 (频率副词：再度)
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Understanding 频率副词：再度
When something important happens again, Chinese has a special adverb to mark the occasion: 再度. This word elevates a simple "again" into something more momentous and formal. While 又 is the everyday word for "again" and 再次 is a step up in formality, 再度 occupies the highest register and is reserved for occasions that feel significant. A sports team winning the championship 再度 suggests a triumphant comeback; old friends meeting 再度 after decades apart suggests emotional weight. You will find 再度 frequently in newspaper headlines, literary descriptions, and formal announcements. For advanced learners, the ability to choose correctly between 又, 再, 再次, and 再度 based on register and context is a sophisticated skill that demonstrates true mastery of Chinese adverbs.
Key Points
- 再度 means "once again / for a second time" with a formal, significant tone.
- More formal than 再次, which is more formal than 又/再.
- Implies the repetition is noteworthy, meaningful, or ceremonious.
- Common in headlines, news reports, literary prose, and formal speeches.
- Typically refers to a second occurrence (not third, fourth, etc.).
- Often collocates with verbs of achievement, reunion, or significant events.
In Chinese journalism, word choice signals the importance of an event. Using 再度 instead of 又 tells the reader that the repetition is historic or deeply significant. This is particularly common in sports reporting (再度夺冠 — won the championship once again) and political coverage (再度当选 — elected once again).
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
这个班再度被评为"优秀班集体"。
This class was once again awarded the title of "Outstanding Class Collective."
A repeated honor
两位好友三十年后再度相遇。
The two good friends met again after thirty years.
Emotional reunion
这位歌手退隐多年后再度登上舞台。
This singer returned to the stage once again after years of retirement.
经过两年的恢复，他再度出征参加国际比赛。
After two years of recovery, he once again set out to compete in international competitions.
这部经典影片再度引发观众的热烈讨论。
This classic film once again sparked enthusiastic discussion among audiences.
暴雨再度袭击了这座城市，造成严重的内涝。
Heavy rain once again struck the city, causing severe flooding.
Common Mistakes
再度 is reserved for significant or formal occasions. Going to the supermarket again is mundane — use 又 for everyday repetitions.
再度 cannot be reduplicated. For repeated occurrences beyond twice, use 一再 (repeatedly) or 屡次 (time and again).
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Reserve 再度 for events that matter — comebacks, reunions, achievements, significant recurrences.
Formality ladder: 又 (casual) < 再 (neutral) < 再次 (formal) < 再度 (most formal/literary).
再度 works beautifully in headlines: 再度夺冠, 再度当选, 再度出发.
If the event is mundane or trivial, 又 or 再 is always the better choice.
Homework
Write three news headlines and three literary sentences using 再度. For each, also write a casual version using 又 and note the difference in tone and impact.