HSK 2
TIME 再 V
TIME zài V
V only until TIME
Structure
Time / Condition + 再 + Verb
How it works
The adverb '再' (zài) is used to indicate that an action will not happen until a specific time has passed or a certain condition is met. It emphasizes a delay or postponement of the action until that designated moment.
Examples
我们晚上再看电影。
Wǒmen wǎnshàng zài kàn diànyǐng.
We will watch the movie later tonight (not now).
你先喝咖啡，然后再去工作。
Nǐ xiān hē kāfēi, ránhòu zài qù gōngzuò.
Drink coffee first, then go to work.
等他来了我们再吃。
Děng tā lái le wǒmen zài chī.
We will eat only after he arrives.
Common mistakes
Students often confuse '再' (future/postponed action) with '又' (action that already repeated in the past).
Tip
Think of this '再' as 'not until then.' It is very common when discussing schedules or ordering tasks.
More HSK 2 grammar
See TIME 再 V in real Chinese
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