TeacherJoy

Let’s talk about two adverbs that often confuse learners: 다시 and 또.

Since they are adverbs, they describe verbs or entire situations, adding specific details to the action. If you look them up in a dictionary, both are often translated as ‘again’ in English.

‘다시’ is quite straightforward because it aligns almost perfectly with ‘again.’ 

• 한 번만 더 말해 주세요. – Please tell me one more time.
• 다시 말해 주세요. – Please tell me again.

Functionally, these two sentences serve the same purpose. However, when we say ‘다시 한 번만 더 말해 주세요’, that ‘다시’ implies doing something ‘from the beginning’ or ‘once more.’ Just like ‘again’ in English.

Now, let’s look at ‘또’. Sometimes, they are interchangeable.

• 다음에 여기 또 오자!  – Let’s come here again!
• 다음에 여기 다시 오자! – Let’s come here again!

You can even combine them: ‘또 다시’ or ‘다시 또’.

• 다음에 여기 또 다시 오자! – Let’s come here again!
• 다음에 여기 다시 또 오자! – Let’s come here again!

But ‘또’ has a second identity that often trips learners up: it also means ‘in addition’ or ‘else’ You have to find the clue within the conversation.

• A: 아침에 토스트하고 우유 먹었어요.- I had toast and milk for breakfast.
• B: 또 뭐 먹었어요? – What else did you eat?

Or at a restaurant:

• A: 김밥하고 라면 주세요. – I’ll have gimbap and ramyeon, please.
• B: 필요하신 거 또 있으세요? -Anything else you need?

Interestingly, because ‘또’ implies ‘something more,’ it’s used in a very specific way to express relief after a surprise.

• A: 큰일 났어요! – Something terrible happened!
• B: 무슨 일이에요?! – What is it?!
• A: 장난이에요. – Just kidding~
• B: 난 또… – Phew…

In this context, it implies ‘I thought there was some other major issue.’ It’s a very natural, native-like reaction.

I actually made this video because one of my students mentioned how tricky ‘또’ can be. I hope this cleared things up for you too!