再三

zài sān

over and over again

HSK 5

漢字分解

Usage of 再三

The adverb 再三 means "over and over again" or "repeatedly." It is often used to emphasize that an action or reminder has been done multiple times, usually to stress importance or caution.

Common contexts

  • Repeated warnings or reminders: 再三提醒 (remind repeatedly)
  • Emphasizing careful consideration: 再三考虑 (consider repeatedly)
  • Stressing importance: 再三强调 (emphasize repeatedly)

Collocations

  • 再三提醒: to repeatedly remind someone, often about rules or warnings.
  • 再三考虑: to think something over carefully multiple times before making a decision.
  • 再三强调: to emphasize something repeatedly, often in speech or writing.

Nuance and register

Using 再三 adds a formal or serious tone, indicating the speaker wants to highlight the repetition and importance of the action. It is common in both spoken and written Chinese, especially in formal or semi-formal contexts.

Common confusion

Do not confuse 再三 with 反复 (fǎnfù), which also means repeatedly but often implies back-and-forth or oscillation. 再三 focuses more on repeated attempts or reminders without implying contradiction.

例文

老师再三强调考试的重要性。

Lǎoshī zàisān qiángdiào kǎoshì de zhòngyàoxìng.

The teacher emphasized the importance of the exam over and over again.

他再三考虑后才做出决定。

Tā zàisān kǎolǜ hòu cái zuòchū juédìng.

He made the decision only after careful consideration over and over again.

我再三提醒你不要迟到。

Wǒ zàisān tíxǐng nǐ bú yào chídào.

I reminded you repeatedly not to be late.