1. Meaning and Usage
The structure "再...也/都..." is used to express that "no matter how much/many/long/etc., it still won't..." or "even if it's [more/further/again], it still won't..." It conveys a strong sense of a definitive negative outcome, a limit, or an impossibility despite a preceding condition of increase, intensity, or repetition. "再" in this context signifies "even if it reaches a higher degree/quantity/frequency." Both "也" and "都" can be used, with "都" sometimes adding a slightly stronger, more encompassing emphasis.
2. Formulas and Examples
This structure highlights that even under extreme or repeated conditions, a certain negative result will persist or occur.
Case 1: Emphasizing a High Degree or Intensity (Adjective/Adverb) This usage highlights that even an extreme level of an adjective or adverb won't change the negative outcome.
Formula: $$再 + Adjective/Adverb + 也/都 + 不/没 + Verb/Adjective$$
Example 1:
这件衣服再便宜，我也不会买。 Zhè jiàn yīfu zài piányi, wǒ yě bú huì mǎi. No matter how cheap this piece of clothing is (even if it's cheaper), I won't buy it.
Example 2:
他再聪明，都无法解决这个问题。 Tā zài cōngmíng, dōu wúfǎ jiějué zhège wèntí. No matter how clever he is (even if he's more clever), he still can't solve this problem.
Case 2: Emphasizing Increased Quantity, Frequency, or Effort (Verb Phrase) This usage indicates that even doing something more, for longer, or more frequently, will not lead to a desired (or positive) result, or will still lead to a negative one.
Formula: $$再 + Verb Phrase (often with quantity/duration/degree) + 也/都 + 不/没 + Verb/Adjective$$
Example 1:
你再吃也吃不饱。 Nǐ zài chī yě chī bù bǎo. No matter how much more you eat (even if you eat again/more), you won't get full.
Example 2:
这件事再等下去，也没有意义了。 Zhè jiàn shì zài děng xiàqù, yě méiyǒu yìyì le. If we wait any longer for this matter (even if we wait more), it will lose its meaning.
Example 3:
他再怎么说，我也不会改变主意。 Tā zài zěnme shuō, wǒ yě bú huì gǎibiàn zhǔyì. No matter how he says it (even if he says it differently/more), I won't change my mind.
3. Essential HSK Tips & Common Mistakes
Tip 1: Always pair "再" with "也/都" and a negative conclusion. The core function of this structure is to express a definitive negative outcome despite a condition of increased degree, quantity, or frequency. Therefore, always ensure that the latter part of the sentence contains a negative marker such as 不 (bù), 没 (méi), 无法 (wúfǎ), 不能 (bù néng), etc.
他再忙，也不可能忘记你。 Tā zài máng, yě bù kěnéng wàngjì nǐ. No matter how busy he is, it's impossible for him to forget you. (Incorrect: 他再忙，也能记住你. This would typically require a different structure like
不管他多忙，都能记住你.)Tip 2: Understand "再" as "even if more/further/again" in this context. Do not simply translate "再" literally as "again" or "then." Here, it sets up a hypothetical condition of increased degree or repetition that does not alter the negative result.
这个故事再怎么讲，我也觉得无聊。 Zhège gè gùshi zài zěnme jiǎng, wǒ yě juéde wúliáo. No matter how (many times/differently) this story is told, I still find it boring. (Incorrect interpretation: "Tell this story again, I also feel bored." - This misses the concessive nature and hypothetical increase.)
Common Mistake: Omitting "也/都". While "再...不/没..." might occasionally be heard in very informal speech, "也/都" are crucial for a complete and grammatically robust expression of concession and emphasis in this structure. Omitting them can make the sentence sound incomplete or awkward in formal contexts.
再多钱我也不会卖。 (Correct and natural) Zài duō qián wǒ yě bú huì mài. No matter how much money, I won't sell.
(Less natural: 再多钱我不会卖。)
Common Mistake: Using this structure for positive outcomes. The "再...也/都...不/没..." structure is specifically designed to express negative definitive outcomes. While similar structures like
再...也...can sometimes convey positive outcomes (e.g.,再贵我也要买- No matter how expensive, I will still buy it), it's important to differentiate these from the strictly negative conclusion implied by the addition of 不/没. For general "no matter how X, Y happens" (where Y can be positive), other structures like无论/不管...都/也...are more appropriate.