lại
[laːj˧˨ʔ]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(adverb) once more, indicates an action or state is resumed
Register: informal
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
Tuy nhiên, trong thực tế có không ít trường hợp mắc COVID-19 điều trị khỏi, trong vòng hơn 1 tháng lại tiếp tục bị tái nhiễm lần 2.In practice, however, more than a few people with COVID-19 recover and after a month are infected a second time.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sources & notes
Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗
Sense 2
Register: informal
Examples
Bạn nói lại đi.Say it again.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 3
Meaning · English
(adverb) reducing in volume, distance, or increasing in density or viscosity
Register: informal
Examples
nhắm mắt lạito shut one's eyes
cứng lạito harden
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 4
Register: informal
Examples
Mang lại đây!Bring that here!
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common questions
What does “lại” mean?
(adverb) once more, indicates an action or state is resumed
Is “lại” formal or informal?
lại is generally informal.