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再三 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
再三
zàisān
over and over again
HSK 6, d, 9 strokes, rank #14665, Hard
再三
zàisān
again and again
HSK 6, d, 9 strokes, rank #14665, Hard
zàisān(zai4san1)zai san T4
1over and over again
2again and again
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March 24, 2026
再三zàisān(zai4san1)
再三 (zài sān) means 'over and over again' or 'again and again'. It is often used to emphasize the repetition of an action or request, suggesting persistence or insistence in a particular context, such as asking someone to do something multiple times.
Strokes9Frequency#14665DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, persistence is often seen as a virtue, especially in the context of education and family obligations. The expression 再三 reflects the importance placed on thoroughness and carefulness in communication.
Memory tip
Imagine a person saying '再 (zài)' which sounds like 'zai' in English, while counting '三 (sān)' on their fingers repeatedly. Picture them holding up three fingers and saying 'again' each time they count to emphasize the repetition.
Meanings of 再三
zàisān(zai4san1)
1over and over again
2again and again
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 再三
再三Simplified
9Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#14665Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 再三
Podcast: 再三
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AI study notes for 再三
Quick Contrast
反复 (fǎnfù) - use 再三 when emphasizing insistence or persistence in a request, while 反复 focuses on the act of repeating itself without the same connotation of insistence.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include using 再三 in overly formal situations, where simpler expressions like 再 (again) might be more appropriate. It often collocates with verbs like 询问 (to inquire) or 强调 (to emphasize), and learners should remember to use it in contexts requiring emphasis on repetition.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 再三 connects well with other expressions of frequency and repetition. Students should focus on how it pairs with verbs for effective communication, enhancing their ability to convey persistence in conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 再三 with 反复 (fǎn fù), which also means 'repeatedly'. An incorrect example is saying '我再三叫他' (I called him again and again), while it should be '我再三提醒他' (I reminded him again and again) for clarity.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 再三
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再三 (zài sān) means 'over and over again' or 'again and again'. It is often used to emphasize the repetition of an action or request, suggesting persistence or insistence in a particular context, such as asking someone to do something multiple times.
When to use 再三
Common mistakes include using 再三 in overly formal situations, where simpler expressions like 再 (again) might be more appropriate. It often collocates with verbs like 询问 (to inquire) or 强调 (to emphasize), and learners should remember to use it in contexts requiring emphasis on repetition.
再三 or something close to it
反复 (fǎnfù) - use 再三 when emphasizing insistence or persistence in a request, while 反复 focuses on the act of repeating itself without the same connotation of insistence.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 再三 with 反复 (fǎn fù), which also means 'repeatedly'. An incorrect example is saying '我再三叫他' (I called him again and again), while it should be '我再三提醒他' (I reminded him again and again) for clarity.
Write 再三
再
三
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Grammar patterns of 再三
再三 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. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
