また（また、mata）
- again

The Japanese word また has several meanings, all revolving around the concept of repetition or continuation. It primarily translates to "again," "also," "and," or "besides" in English, depending on the context. Its usage signifies something that happens more than once or that something is in addition to something else. The core idea is returning to a state or topic or adding more information. また can also be used to mean "next time" or "see you later" in certain contexts.

⚫︎ また明日会いましょう。 Translation: See you again tomorrow. ⚫︎ この本は面白い。また、絵も綺麗です。 Translation: This book is interesting. Also, the pictures are beautiful. ⚫︎ また食べ過ぎちゃった。 Translation: I ate too much again.

⚫︎ また as "again": Use it when an action, event, or state happens a second time or repeatedly. ⚫︎ また as "also" or "and": Use it to add information or connect related ideas. It's similar to using "and also" or "besides" in English. ⚫︎ また as "next time" or "see you later": This is used for farewells or expressing the intention of meeting again. The tone is usually casual. The meaning of また changes based on the surrounding words and context.

⚫︎ また is typically written in hiragana. ⚫︎ The kanji for また exists: 亦. However, また is almost always written in hiragana. ⚫︎ There are no variations in okurigana for this word.

⚫︎ 再び (ふたたび): This means "again," but it is more formal than また. ⚫︎ もう一度 (もういちど): This means "one more time" or "again". ⚫︎ 更に (さらに): This means "furthermore," "moreover," or "besides." ⚫︎ そして (soshite): And

There isn't a direct single antonym for また, as its meaning is broad. However, to negate the idea of "again", you could use phrases like: ⚫︎ 二度と (nidoto): Never again ⚫︎ もう (mou) + negative verb: No longer

また、来てくださいね！ ・Translation: Come again, please! ・Explanation: This uses また to invite someone to return in the future. It's a friendly and common way to say "see you again."

疲れた。でも、また頑張ろう。 ・Translation: I'm tired. But, I'll do my best again. ・Explanation: This sentence uses また to indicate a renewed effort or continuation despite feeling tired.

The etymology of また is not definitively clear, but it's believed to be derived from the Old Japanese word "mata," which had a similar meaning of "again" or "in addition." It has evolved over time into the modern usage we see today. The kanji 亦 itself represents "also" or "again."