在 vs 再
在 vs 再: Location vs Repetition
Quick Summary
在 indicates location or ongoing action; 再 means "again" or "then" for future actions.
Detailed Breakdown
zài
Location preposition & progressive marker
Grammar Pattern
在 + Place OR 在 + Verb (ongoing action)Examples
我在家
wǒ zài jiā
I am at home
他在北京工作
tā zài Běijīng gōngzuò
He works in Beijing
我在吃饭
wǒ zài chīfàn
I am eating
zài
Adverb for repetition or future action
Grammar Pattern
再 + Verb (do again / do later)Examples
再见
zàijiàn
goodbye (see again)
请再说一遍
qǐng zài shuō yí biàn
please say it again
吃完饭再走
chī wán fàn zài zǒu
leave after finishing the meal
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | 在 | 再 |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | at / in / -ing | again / then |
| Function | Location / Progress | Repetition / Sequence |
| Time reference | Present / Current state | Future action |
| Part of speech | Preposition / Adverb | Adverb |
Memory Tips
- 在 has 土 (earth) - you stand ON a location
- 再 has 一 at top - doing ONE more time
- 在 = WHERE you are; 再 = WHEN you do it again
Common Mistakes
Use 在 (not 再) for location
Use 再 (not 在) for "again"
再见 means "see again" - use 再 for repetition
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 在 and 再?
在 (zài) indicates location (我在家 = I'm at home) or ongoing action (我在吃饭 = I'm eating). 再 (zài) means "again" or "then" for future actions (再见 = see again, goodbye).
How do I say "again" in Chinese?
Use 再 (zài) for future repetition: 请再说一遍 (please say it again). For past repetition, use 又 (yòu): 他又来了 (he came again).
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