JLPT N26 min readUpdated May 2, 2026Grammar pattern

再びfutatabi“again; once more”

Use 再び(ふたたび) when you want to express that something happens a second time, often after a gap, failure, or interval.

Meaning
again; once more
Pattern
再び
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JLPT grammar
JLPT
N2

再び(ふたたび) means again; once more. It is a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar pattern used to express that something happens a second time, often after a gap, failure, or interval.

This grammar point often appears in essays, formal writing, conversations, and JLPT N2 reading passages. If you want to express that something happens a second time, often after a gap, failure, or interval, 再び(ふたたび) is a useful pattern to learn because it adds natural precision to your Japanese.

What does 再び(ふたたび) mean?

Use 再び(ふたたび) when you want to express that something happens a second time, often after a gap, failure, or interval.

Natural translations include:

  • again; once more

How to form 再び(ふたたび)

再び + Verb

Examples of the pattern:

  • 再び会う
  • 再び挑戦する

When is 再び(ふたたび) used?

Use 再び(ふたたび) in situations like:

  • doing something again, often after a pause or interval

Tone and register:

  • formal/literary; more solemn than もう一度
  • Common in test questions, essays, daily conversation, and JLPT N2 reading

再び(ふたたび) example sentences

  • 彼は再び故郷を訪れた。 — He visited his hometown once again.
  • 再び同じ問題が発生した。 — The same problem occurred again.
  • 私たちは再び会うことを約束した。 — We promised to meet again.
  • 彼は再び挑戦する決意を固めた。 — He made up his mind to try once more.
  • 再びチャンスが訪れた。 — Another chance came along.

After reading each sentence, ask what job 再び(ふたたび) is doing: something happens a second time, often after a gap, failure, or interval.

Nuance of 再び(ふたたび)

The key nuance is something happens a second time, often after a gap, failure, or interval.

For example:

  • In context, it carries a specific, nuanced meaning that a simpler pattern would not convey.
  • Compared with もう一度, it carries a different weight and implication.

再び(ふたたび) vs もう一度

再び(ふたたび):

  • something happens a second time, often after a gap, failure, or interval

もう一度:

  • once more (casual)

Quick contrast examples:

  • 再び訪れた。
  • もう一度訪れた。

Common mistakes with 再び(ふたたび)

Watch out for these mistakes:

  • Translating it too literally without understanding the nuance
  • Using it in contexts where the situation doesn’t match the grammar’s core meaning
  • Confusing it with similar-looking but different grammar patterns

A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with 再び(ふたたび), then rewrite it with もう一度. If the meaning or tone changes, explain that difference in your own words.

Is 再び(ふたたび) on the JLPT?

Yes. 再び(ふたたび) is commonly taught as JLPT N2 grammar.

That means learners should be able to:

  • recognize it in reading
  • understand its nuance in context
  • use it in simple original sentences

Practice questions for 再び(ふたたび)

  • Use 再び(ふたたび) in a sentence about a personal experience or observation.
  • Write a sentence where the nuance of 再び(ふたたび) is necessary.
  • Compare 再び(ふたたび) with もう一度 in your own example.

Learning path for 再び(ふたたび)

To learn 再び(ふたたび) efficiently, start with its formation, then compare it with similar patterns, and finally practice in context.

  1. First, make sure you can form 再び(ふたたび) without looking at the pattern chart.
  2. Next, compare it with もう一度.
  3. Finally, write sentences where 再び(ふたたび) is necessary; then check whether replacing it with one of the related patterns below changes the meaning.

Learn 再び(ふたたび) with Hane

If you want to review 再び(ふたたび) together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions.

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FAQ about 再び

What does 再び (futatabi) mean in Japanese?

再び (futatabi) means “again; once more”. It is JLPT N2 grammar. Use 再び(ふたたび) when you want to express that something happens a second time, often after a gap, failure, or interval.

How do you form 再び (futatabi)?

再び + Verb

What is the difference between 再び and もう一度?

再び(ふたたび): something happens a second time, often after a gap, failure, or interval. もう一度: once more (casual).

What is an example sentence with 再び (futatabi)?

彼は再び故郷を訪れた。 — He visited his hometown once again.

Practice this with Hane
Drill 再び until it’s automatic.

Short, focused iOS sessions for grammar, kanji, vocabulary, reading, and JLPT review. Use this lesson with the JLPT prep app and the Japanese learning app overview.

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