Processing keyword: 再三 (zàisān) - again and again, repeatedly

Mandarin Grammar Point: 再三 (zàisān) - again and again, repeatedly

再三 (zàisān) - Again and Again, Repeatedly

1. Introduction

"再三" (zàisān) is a Chinese phrase that means "again and again" or "repeatedly." It is often used to indicate that an action has taken place multiple times.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

"再三" is an adverbial phrase used to emphasize the repeated nature of an action. It conveys persistence, suggesting that something has occurred more than once.

Meaning, Structure, Formation Diagram

• Meaning: "再三" indicates repetition or reiteration of an action.
• Structure: "再" means "again," and "三" means "three." Together, it implies doing something numerous times, not just literally three times.

Formation Diagram

Action + 再三

Example:

• 她再三强调这个问题。
  (Tā zàisān qiángdiào zhège wèntí.)
  She emphasized this issue again and again.

3. Comparative Analysis

"再三" can be compared to other similar phrases:

• "再三" emphasizes urgency or insistence compared to "一再."
• "屡次" can imply a more regular occurrence rather than an insistence.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Context:

   • 我再三通知他会议的时间。(Wǒ zàisān tōngzhī tā huìyì de shíjiān.)
     I notified him about the meeting time again and again.

2. Informal Context:

   • 她再三问我怎么去那里。(Tā zàisān wèn wǒ zěnme qù nàlǐ.)
     She asked me again and again how to get there.

3. Written Context:

   • 该报告再三指出了问题的严重性。(Gāi bàogào zàisān zhǐchūle wèntí de yánzhòng xìng.)
     The report repeatedly pointed out the seriousness of the issue.

4. Spoken Context:

   • 你再三说我不相信。(Nǐ zàisān shuō wǒ bù xiāngxìn.)
     You said it again and again, but I don’t believe it.

5. Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, repetition often indicates earnestness and importance. Using "再三" can show that you care about the message you are conveying.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

"再三" is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it carries a weight of insistence, which can be perceived differently based on the situation.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 再三叮嘱 (zàisān dīngzhǔ) - to remind repeatedly; this phrase emphasizes strong advice or a stern warning.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Confusing 再三 with 一再: Some learners use “一再” when they mean to emphasize insistence—remember that 再三 carries a stronger tone of urgency.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Associate "再三" with the image of someone knocking on a door repeatedly until someone answers.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• "再三" means "again and again" and emphasizes repetition.
• It's used in both formal and informal settings to convey insistence or persistence.
• Understanding the nuances with similar phrases helps differentiate usages.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does 再三 mean?
2. In what type of situations would you use 再三?
3. Compare 再三 with 一再—how are they different? Feel free to practice using "再三" in your sentences!