Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ====== dàibiǎo: 代表 - Represent, Representative, On behalf of ====== ===== Quick Summary ===== * **Keywords:** 代表, daibiao, represent in Chinese, Chinese representative, delegate in Chinese, on behalf of in Chinese, symbolize in Chinese, what does daibiao mean, HSK 4 vocabulary * **Summary:** Learn the essential Chinese word **代表 (dàibiǎo)**, a versatile term used as both a noun ("representative," "delegate") and a verb ("to represent," "to stand for," "on behalf of"). This page breaks down its core meaning, cultural significance in politics and business, and provides numerous practical examples to help you master how to say you are representing a group, acting on someone's behalf, or describing what something symbolizes in Mandarin Chinese. ===== Core Meaning ===== * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** dài biǎo * **Part of Speech:** Verb / Noun * **HSK Level:** HSK 4 * **Concise Definition:** To represent, to stand for, or a person who is a representative or delegate. * **In a Nutshell:** 代表 (dàibiǎo) is about one thing standing in for another, larger thing. It could be a person speaking for a group (a representative), an object standing for an idea (a symbol), or an action done for someone else (on behalf of). It’s a foundational concept in any group setting, from a school project to international diplomacy. ===== Character Breakdown ===== * **代 (dài):** To substitute, replace, or act on behalf of. The character shows a person (人) being designated (弋) to take the place of another. * **表 (biǎo):** To show, express, or the surface/outside of something. Think of it as what is shown externally. When combined, **代表 (dàibiǎo)** literally means "to substitute and show" or "to act on behalf of and express." This perfectly captures the essence of representing something—you are the external expression of the group or idea you are standing in for. ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== In Chinese culture, which often emphasizes the collective over the individual, the role of a **代表 (dàibiǎo)** is particularly significant. A representative isn't just an individual with a temporary title; they are seen as the embodiment of the group's collective will, voice, and face (面子, miànzi). Compare this to Western cultures, where a representative might be seen as one voice among many, and individual members of the group still feel free to express dissenting opinions publicly. In a Chinese context, a **代表**'s words carry the weight of the entire entity they represent. To disagree with the **代表** in a public setting can be seen as a serious challenge to the entire group's harmony and authority. This is most prominent in politics with the **人大代表 (Réndà dàibiǎo)**—the "National People's Congress Representative"—a cornerstone of the Chinese political system. The term carries immense formal weight and is understood by everyone as a person speaking with the authority of the state or a specific constituency. ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== **代表** is an extremely common word used across formal and informal situations. === As a Verb (to represent / to stand for) === This is the most common usage. It's used when a person, action, or object acts as a stand-in for something else. * "I represent the company." (我**代表**公司。) * "This painting represents a new style." (这幅画**代表**了一种新的风格。) === As a Noun (a representative / a delegate) === It refers to the person or people chosen to act for a group. * "He is the student representative." (他是学生**代表**。) * "The representatives are having a meeting." (**代表**们正在开会。) === As a Prepositional Phrase (on behalf of) === Used at the beginning of a clause, "我代表 (wǒ dàibiǎo)..." means "On behalf of..." and is very common in speeches, toasts, and formal announcements. * "On behalf of our school, I welcome you all." (我**代表**我们学校，欢迎大家。) ===== Example Sentences ===== * **Example 1:** * 他被选为我们班的**代表**去参加会议。 * Pinyin: Tā bèi xuǎn wèi wǒmen bān de **dàibiǎo** qù cānjiā huìyì. * English: He was chosen as our class representative to attend the meeting. * Analysis: Here, **代表** is a noun, meaning a person who is a "representative." The structure "被选为 (bèi xuǎn wèi)" means "was chosen as." * **Example 2:** * 我**代表**我们公司，对您的到来表示热烈的欢迎。 * Pinyin: Wǒ **dàibiǎo** wǒmen gōngsī, duì nín de dàolái biǎoshì rèliè de huānyíng. * English: On behalf of our company, I'd like to extend a warm welcome to you. * Analysis: This is a very common formal phrase used in business or official settings. "我代表 (wǒ dàibiǎo)..." functions like "On behalf of..." in English. * **Example 3:** * 长城**代表**了中国的悠久历史。 * Pinyin: Chángchéng **dàibiǎo** le Zhōngguó de yōujiǔ lìshǐ. * English: The Great Wall represents the long history of China. * Analysis: In this sentence, **代表** is a verb meaning "to represent" or "to symbolize" an abstract concept (history). * **Example 4:** * 你的行为不**代表**我。 * Pinyin: Nǐ de xíngwéi bù **dàibiǎo** wǒ. * English: Your actions do not represent me. * Analysis: A simple but powerful phrase used to distance oneself from another person's behavior. It's direct and clear. * **Example 5:** * 这份小礼物**代表**我的一点心意。 * Pinyin: Zhè fèn xiǎo lǐwù **dàibiǎo** wǒ de yīdiǎn xīnyì. * English: This small gift represents my good intentions/is a small token of my appreciation. * Analysis: A very common and polite phrase when giving a gift. "心意 (xīnyì)" means heartfelt feelings or appreciation. * **Example 6:** * 谁能**代表**年轻一代的看法？ * Pinyin: Shéi néng **dàibiǎo** niánqīng yīdài de kànfǎ? * English: Who can represent the views of the younger generation? * Analysis: **代表** is used here as a verb to talk about representing a demographic group's opinions. * **Example 7:** * 每个国家都派出了三名**代表**。 * Pinyin: Měi ge guójiā dōu pài chūle sān míng **dàibiǎo**. * English: Each country sent three delegates. * Analysis: Here, **代表** is a noun for "delegate." "名 (míng)" is the measure word for people in a formal or professional capacity. * **Example 8:** * 这并不能**代表**所有人的意见。 * Pinyin: Zhè bìng bù néng **dàibiǎo** suǒyǒu rén de yìjiàn. * English: This does not necessarily represent everyone's opinion. * Analysis: A useful phrase in discussions to clarify that a single point of view is not the consensus. "并 (bìng)" is used here to add emphasis to the negative "不 (bù)". * **Example 9:** * 他是我们公司在欧洲的首席**代表**。 * Pinyin: Tā shì wǒmen gōngsī zài Ōuzhōu de shǒuxí **dàibiǎo**. * English: He is our company's chief representative in Europe. * Analysis: A formal business title. "首席 (shǒuxí)" means "chief" or "head," similar to a CEO (首席执行官, shǒuxí zhíxíng guān). * **Example 10:** * 红色在中国文化里常常**代表**喜庆和好运。 * Pinyin: Hóngsè zài Zhōngguó wénhuà lǐ chángcháng **dàibiǎo** xǐqìng hé hǎoyùn. * English: In Chinese culture, the color red often represents celebration and good luck. * Analysis: Shows how **代表** is used to connect an object (a color) to its cultural symbolism. ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== * **代表 (dàibiǎo) vs. 表现 (biǎoxiàn):** This is a very common point of confusion. * **代表 (dàibiǎo)** means to "represent" or "stand for" something/someone else. * **表现 (biǎoxiàn)** means "performance," "to show," or "to display" one's own abilities or behavior. * *Incorrect:* 他在考试中**代表**得很好。 (Tā zài kǎoshì zhōng dàibiǎo de hěn hǎo.) * *Correct:* 他在考试中**表现**得很好。 (Tā zài kǎoshì zhōng biǎoxiàn de hěn hǎo.) -> "He performed well on the test." You perform, you don't "represent" on a test unless you are literally taking it for someone else. * **代表 (dàibiǎo) vs. 代替 (dàitì):** * **代表 (dàibiǎo)** is about representing the will or identity of another. The original entity is still present in spirit. * **代替 (dàitì)** is about "substituting" or "replacing." The original is gone and has been swapped out. * *Example:* 我可以**代替**你开会，但不能**代表**你发言。(Wǒ kěyǐ dàitì nǐ kāihuì, dàn bùnéng dàibiǎo nǐ fāyán.) -> "I can attend the meeting in your place (substitute for you), but I can't speak on your behalf (represent you)." ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== * [[代表团]] (dàibiǎo tuán) - A delegation; a group of representatives. * [[代理]] (dàilǐ) - To act as an agent or proxy. This is more of a legal or commercial term than **代表**. * [[象征]] (xiàngzhēng) - To symbolize, symbol. More abstract and often more poetic than **代表**. While **代表** can mean "symbolize," **象征** is almost exclusively used for this meaning. * [[代替]] (dàitì) - To replace, to substitute. Focuses on the physical act of replacement. * [[表现]] (biǎoxiàn) - Performance, to display (one's own skill or character). * [[作为]] (zuòwéi) - As, in the capacity of. Often used to set up a role, similar to "On behalf of," e.g., "作为你的老师... (As your teacher...)" * [[意味着]] (yìwèizhe) - To mean, to signify, to imply. Focuses on the consequence or meaning of something. * [[人大代表]] (Réndà dàibiǎo) - National People's Congress (NPC) Representative. A key political term. * [[发言人]] (fāyánrén) - Spokesperson. A specific type of representative who is authorized to speak to the media.