Translation guide
The English prefix 're-' indicates doing something again. In Japanese, this is expressed through adverbs, auxiliary verbs, or the prefix 再 (sai). The most common and versatile way is using the adverb もう一度 (mou ichido) or the prefix 再〜 (sai-).
Expressing that an action is repeated or done again, without specifying a formal process.
Literally 'one more time'. This is the most common and natural way to say 'again' for everyday actions. It can be used with most verbs.
もう一度言ってください。
Please say it again.
I'll try again.
Means 'again' or 'once more'. Slightly more casual than もう一度. Often used in everyday speech.
また会いましょう。
Let's meet again.
また雨が降ってきた。
It started raining again.
A more formal or literary way to say 'again'. Often used in written language or formal speeches.
再びお会いできる日を楽しみにしています。
I look forward to the day we can meet again.
Expressing the idea of redoing an action, often with a sense of correction or repetition from the beginning.
Attached to the masu-stem of a verb, it means 'to redo' or 'to do over', often implying fixing or improving. Very common for actions like rewriting, rebuilding, etc.
レポートを書き直した。
I rewrote the report.
家を建て直す。
To rebuild a house.
Also means 'to redo', but often implies doing something again in return or repeatedly. It can be less about correction and more about repetition.
〜返す can also mean 'to do back' (retaliate), so context matters.
Prefix attached to Sino-Japanese nouns (often する verbs) to mean 're-'. Common in formal or technical contexts.
Expressing the repetition of a state or event, often with nouns.
Both mean 're-', but 〜直す often implies fixing or doing over from scratch, while 〜返す can imply repetition or doing back. For simple 'redo', 〜直す is safer.
書き直す (rewrite to correct) vs. 書き返す (write back)
書き直す (rewrite to correct) vs. 書き返す (write back)
再〜 is mainly for Sino-Japanese words. For native Japanese verbs, use 〜直す or adverbs like もう一度. Saying 再食べる is unnatural; use もう一度食べる or 食べ直す.
パスワードをもう一度入力してください。
Please re-enter your password.
課題をやり直します。
I will redo the assignment.