Understanding 또 and 다시 in Korean

If you’re learning Korean, you’ll come across the words 또 and 다시, both of which can mean "again" in English. However, they have different meanings and uses. Let’s explore them in a simple way!

1. 또 

Meaning: Again, another, also
Nuance: Implies repetition or addition

When to Use 또:

• To indicate repetition:

• 어제 영화를 봤어요. 오늘 또 보고 싶어요
  I watched a movie yesterday. I want to watch it again today.

• 오늘 또 비가 와요.
  It’s raining again today.

• To add something:

  • 또 다른 질문이 있어요.
    I have another question.

Key Points about 또:

• Often implies annoyance when something is repeated.
• Used when you want to do something similar again.

2. 다시

Meaning: Again, back, anew
Nuance: Focuses on starting over or returning to a previous state.

When to Use 다시:

• To indicate starting over:

  • 다시 시작하자. - Let’s start over again.

• To repeat:

  • 잠깐, 다시 말해주세요. - Wait, say it again.

Key Points about 다시:

• More neutral; doesn’t imply annoyance.
• Suggests doing something from scratch or anew.

3. Key Differences Between 또 and 다시

Examples of Differences:

• ✅ 또 하자. - Let’s do (something) again.
  • This means to repeat exactly what was done before - similar action.
• ✅ 다시 하자. - Let’s redo it.
  • This suggests starting from the beginning or making changes. - a correction.

• ✅ 또 필요한 거 있어? - Is there anything else you need?
• ❌ 다시 필요한 거 있어? - This sounds unnatural in this context.
  


• ✅그는 배우이고, 또 가수이다. - He is an actor and also a singer.
• ❌그는 배우이고, 다시 가수이다. - This implies he became a singer again, which isn’t the intent.

Summary

• Use 또 when you want to express doing something again or adding something.
• Use 다시 when you mean to start something over or repeat it from the beginning.

Understanding these differences will help you communicate better in Korean. Keep practicing, and happy learning!