Structure:
Subject + 再 + Verb + Object
Meaning:
In fact, this structure is present in one of the most common Chinese phrases: “再见!” In this case, it literally means “See you again!”
Examples:
我 下 次 再 来。
Wǒ xià cì zài lái
I’ll come again next time.
再 as “and then”
Meaning:
A usage that feels sort of related but deserves separate mention is the use of 再 to mean “and then.” It is often preceded by 先 when giving clear sequential orders (“first do this… then do this…”), but it can also appear by itself to mean “and then.”
Examples:
我们 先 吃饭 再 谈。
Wǒmen xiān chīfàn zài tán
We’ll eat first, and then we’ll talk.
再 as “another” or “some more”
Meaning:
The English word “another” is often avoided altogether by using 再.
Examples:
你 再 给 我 一 张 纸。
Nǐ zài ɡěi wǒ yī zhānɡ zhǐ.
Give me another piece of paper.
再 as “continuous action”
Meaning:
Here 再 is similar to the English “for a while longer” or “keep [going/doing]”.
Examples:
再 找 找,找 不 到 我们 就 回去。
Zài zhǎo zhǎo, zhǎo bú dào wǒmen jiù huíqù
Look a little more. If we can’t find it, we’ll go home.