Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Again" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "again", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
また
また (mata)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
再び
ふたたび (futatabi)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "again" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between また and 再び.
In Japanese, また (また (mata)) is typically associated with "again; also; moreover" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to indicate repetition.
On the other hand, 再び (ふたたび (futatabi)) maps to "again, a second time" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A more formal or literary word for 'again' compared to 'また'. Often used when an event or action happens once more after a period.. A literal translation of "again" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "また"
また来週会いましょう。
Let's meet again next week.
Bilingual Context for "再び"
彼は再びその場所を訪れた。
He visited that place again.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 来週会いましょう。" (Meaning: "Let's meet again next week.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "また" fits here because it means "again; also; moreover" in the context of: "Let's meet again next week.". "再び" represents "again, a second time".