Posted inN2 Grammar

Mastering 「再び (futatabi)」: A Deeper Dive into Japanese Recurrence (JLPT N2)

Posted inN2 Grammar
Japanese Grammar Template
Meaning & Usage

✨ Basic Meaning

The basic meaning of 「再び (ふたたび)」 is “again,” “once more,” or “re-” (as a prefix). It indicates that an action, state, or event occurs or resumes after an interruption, a significant interval, or a change.

🎯 Primary Function

Its primary function is to express a recurrence, often implying a return to a previous state or a resumption of something that had ceased or been suspended. It carries a more formal or weighty nuance compared to simpler adverbs like 「また」 or 「もう一度」.

📋 Grammar Structure

「再び (ふたたび)」 is an adverb. It is placed directly before the verb or verb phrase it modifies. It can also be used before certain nouns (often those indicating a state or event) to form a compound expression, essentially acting as a “re-” prefix, though this is less common than its use with verbs. It does not conjugate.

🎭 Usage Contexts

🏢 Formal Situations

Very commonly used in formal speeches, official reports, academic papers, news articles, and other contexts requiring a more elevated or precise tone.

😊 Informal Situations

Less common in casual conversation. Using 「再び」 in informal situations can sound overly formal, stiff, or even dramatic. 「また」 or 「もう一度」 are preferred here.

✍️ Written Language

Frequently encountered in written Japanese, including literature, newspapers, academic texts, and formal correspondence, due to its precise and formal nuance.

🗣️ Spoken Language

Used in more formal spoken contexts, such as presentations, public announcements, news broadcasts, or serious discussions, where a deliberate and formal tone is desired.

💡 Common Applications

Returning to a previous state or place
Indicates that someone or something has come back to a former condition, position, or location after an absence or change.
Example: 彼は再び故郷の土を踏んだ。 (He stepped on his hometown soil again.)
Resuming an activity or process
Signifies that an action, event, or process has restarted after having been paused, interrupted, or ceased.
Example: 中断された会議は再び開かれることになった。 (The interrupted meeting was decided to be held again.)
Something happening unexpectedly again
Can be used to describe an unexpected or significant recurrence of an event or situation.
Example: 世界は再び平和を取り戻した。 (The world regained peace again.)
📊
Frequency
Moderately frequent in formal and written Japanese. Less frequent in everyday casual spoken Japanese.
🎚️
Difficulty
JLPT N2
Example Sentences
彼は再び立ち上がった。
He stood up again.
この問題は再び議論されるだろう。
This issue will be debated again.
過去の栄光を再び取り戻すため、彼らは努力を続けた。
To regain their past glory again, they continued their efforts.
Notes & Nuances

📌 Important Points

Formality and Nuance
「再び」 carries a more formal and somewhat more profound or significant nuance than its synonyms. It often implies a repetition after a definite break, a return to a former state, or a re-initiation of something important.
Example: もう一度言ってください。(Please say it one more time – neutral, simple repetition) vs. 彼は再び政界に戻った。(He returned to the political world again – implies a significant return after a period of absence.)
Usage with Specific Verbs
It pairs well with verbs that imply a return, resumption, or re-establishment (e.g., 戻る, 始める, 立ち上がる, 取り戻す, 再開する).
Example: 平和を再び築く。 (To build peace again.)

⚠️ Common Mistakes

❌ Using 「再び」 in overly casual conversation.
✅ Use 「また」 or 「もう一度」 for casual “again.”
「再び」 sounds overly stiff or dramatic in everyday informal speech. For example, saying 「また明日ね！」 is natural, while 「再び明日ね！」 would be very unnatural.
❌ undefined
✅ undefined
undefined

🏛️ Cultural Context

Politeness Level: Generally a neutral to formal level of politeness. Its use often elevates the tone of a sentence.
Social Situations: Appropriate in formal discussions, public announcements, news reporting, and written communications. Less suited for casual social interactions among friends or family.
Regional Variations: There are no significant regional variations in the usage or meaning of 「再び」.

🔍 Subtle Differences

再び (futatabi) vs. もう一度 (mō ichido)
「もう一度」 simply means “one more time” and is used for simple repetition without necessarily implying a break or significance. 「再び」 suggests a return or re-occurrence after an interval or significant event, often with a more formal tone.
When to use: Use 「もう一度」 for simple repetitions (e.g., “Please say it again”). Use 「再び」 when emphasizing a recurrence after a pause, a return to a prior state, or a more significant re-initiation (e.g., “The factory began operations again after the closure”).
再び (futatabi) vs. また (mata)
「また」 is a very versatile and general adverb meaning “again,” “also,” or “and then.” It is casual and common. 「再び」 is specifically focused on recurrence after an interruption or return, and is more formal.
When to use: Use 「また」 for casual “again” (e.g., “See you again,” “It rained again”). Use 「再び」 for more formal contexts where the nuance of “return after an interval” or “re-commencement” is important.
undefined
undefined
When to use: undefined

📝 Conjugation Notes

「再び (ふたたび)」 is an adverb and therefore does not conjugate.

🔊 Pronunciation Tips

The pronunciation is ふ・た・た・び (fu-ta-ta-bi). Ensure clear articulation of each mora. The pitch accent is generally flat or with a slight rise on the second “ta” depending on regional variations, but a flat pronunciation is generally safe and understood.

🧠 Memory Tips

Think of the kanji 再 (sai/futa) which means “re-” or “again.” Associate 「再び」 with formal “re-peat” or “re-turn” to distinguish it from more casual “again” words.

Vocabulary List
立ち上がる
tachiagaru
to stand up; to rise
議論する
giron suru
to discuss; to debate
栄光
eikō
glory; honor
取り戻す
torimodosu
to regain; to take back
故郷
kokyō
hometown; native place
土
tsuchi
soil; ground
踏む
to step on; to tread
Kanji List
再
ふたたび / さい
again; re-
立
た(つ)
to stand
問
もん
question; problem
議
ぎ
deliberation; discussion
論
ろん
argument; theory
栄
えい
glory; prosperity
光
こう
light; glory
取
と(る)
to take
戻
もど(す/る)
to return; to put back
故
こ
reason; circumstances; old
郷
きょう
hometown; village
Practice Exercises
会議が中止になったが、来週（　　　　）開かれることになった。
a) もう一度
b) また
c) 再び
d) やはり
彼は一度引退したが、（　　　　）舞台に戻ってきた。
a) また
b) 再び
c) 何度も
d) すぐに
9 Views
Leave a Comment

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *