To act or be the entity that acts on behalf of another.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Acting on behalf of another person or organization.
- Can refer to the agent or the agency itself.
- Common in legal, business, and diplomatic contexts.
Overview
“代理”这个词在中文里是一个非常常用的词汇，主要有两个核心含义：一是作为“代理人”或“代理机构”，即代表他人或组织行使权力、处理事务；二是表示“代理权”或“代理关系”本身。它在法律、商业、政治以及日常生活中都有广泛的应用，表示一种受委托而代为行动的关系。
“代理”通常与“人”、“机构”、“公司”、“律师”、“使馆”等名词搭配使用，构成“代理人”、“代理机构”、“全权代理”等词组。动词“代理”可以用来描述一个人或组织的行为，例如“他代理公司处理合同”。它也可以作为名词，指代代理的身份或职位，如“担任某国的代理大使”。
在法律领域，“代理”常指律师代理当事人进行诉讼或处理法律事务。在商业领域，公司可能设立“代理机构”来销售产品或提供服务，或者指派“代理商”拓展市场。在外交场合，一个国家可能在另一个国家设立“代理使馆”处理特定事务。在日常生活中，比如请假时，同事可能成为你的“代理人”来处理紧急工作。
与“代表”相比，“代理”更侧重于一种正式的、被授权的、持续性的代为行为，尤其是在法律和商业领域。“代表”的含义更广泛，可以指临时的、非正式的代为发言或出席，也可以指一个群体或组织的形象。
与“委托”相比，“委托”强调的是一种信任和授权的动作，即将某事交给他人办理，而“代理”则更侧重于被委托后实际进行的代为行为和由此产生的身份。
与“中介”相比，“中介”通常指在买卖双方之间起桥梁作用，促成交易，而“代理”则更强调代表委托人的利益行事，权力范围可能更广。
Examples
他被授权作为公司的法律代理。
formalHe was authorized to act as the company's legal agent.
这家商店是某品牌服装的官方代理。
businessThis store is the official agent for a certain brand of clothing.
我请朋友帮我代理收快递。
informalI asked a friend to receive the package on my behalf.
该国在新设立了经济事务代理处。
diplomaticThe country has established an agency for economic affairs in the new location.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
担任代理
to act as an agent
接受代理
to accept agency
进行代理
to conduct agency
Often Confused With
While '代理' specifically implies acting with authority on behalf of someone else, '代表' has a broader meaning. '代表' can mean to represent a group, to symbolize something, or to speak on behalf of someone temporarily, not necessarily with formal delegated power.
'委托' (wěituō) is the act of entrusting someone with a task or responsibility. '代理' (dàilǐ) is the state or action of being the agent, often resulting from a '委托'. You '委托' someone to be your '代理人'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '代理' is widely used in formal settings like legal and business contexts. It implies a formal grant of authority. In informal settings, simpler terms might be used, but '代理' can still apply to someone acting on your behalf.
Common Mistakes
Do not confuse '代理' (agent/agency) with '代表' (representative) in all contexts, as '代表' has broader meanings. Ensure you understand whether formal authorization is implied when using '代理'.
Tips
Understand the Scope of Authority
When acting as an agent, always clarify the extent of your authority. This prevents misunderstandings and potential legal issues.
Beware of Conflicts of Interest
As an agent, you must act in the best interest of the principal. Avoid situations where your personal interests conflict with those of the person you represent.
Importance of Trust in Agency
The concept of agency heavily relies on trust. The principal entrusts the agent with their affairs, making integrity and reliability crucial qualities.
Word Origin
The character '代' means 'to substitute' or 'generation', and '理' means 'to manage' or 'reason'. Together, '代理' signifies managing affairs as a substitute or representative.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, the concept of delegation and representation is important, especially in business and official matters. Maintaining trust and fulfilling responsibilities diligently are key when acting as an agent.
Memory Tip
Think of '代理' as someone holding a '代' (substitute) for you, acting in your '理' (reason/affairs). They are your stand-in, your agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“代理”通常指被正式授权，在特定范围内代表他人处理事务，尤其是在法律和商业领域。“代表”的含义更广，可以是临时的发言人，也可以是形象的象征，不一定有正式授权。
在日常生活中，“代理”可以指在工作或生活中，某人被授权代你处理某些事务，比如你的同事在你请假时代理你的工作，或者你委托朋友代你签收快递。
“代理人”指的是具体执行代理行为的个人，而“代理机构”则是一个组织或公司，它提供代理服务，并可能拥有多个代理人。
在法律和商业领域，很多代理行为需要明确的书面授权（如委托书）来界定权力和责任。但在一些非正式场合，口头授权也可能被接受，具体取决于情况和相关规定。
Test Yourself
这位律师是我的______，负责处理我的房产纠纷。
这里指律师被授权代为处理法律事务，所以“代理”最合适。
这家外国公司在中国设立了______，负责销售其产品。
公司设立的目的是为了销售产品，并且是代表外国公司，因此“代理机构”是最佳答案。
词语：他，公司，合同，代表，签署
这个句子结构清晰，表达了“他”作为公司代表去签署合同的意思。
Score: /3
Summary
To act or be the entity that acts on behalf of another.
- Acting on behalf of another person or organization.
- Can refer to the agent or the agency itself.
- Common in legal, business, and diplomatic contexts.
Understand the Scope of Authority
When acting as an agent, always clarify the extent of your authority. This prevents misunderstandings and potential legal issues.
Beware of Conflicts of Interest
As an agent, you must act in the best interest of the principal. Avoid situations where your personal interests conflict with those of the person you represent.
Importance of Trust in Agency
The concept of agency heavily relies on trust. The principal entrusts the agent with their affairs, making integrity and reliability crucial qualities.
Examples
4 of 4他被授权作为公司的法律代理。
He was authorized to act as the company's legal agent.
这家商店是某品牌服装的官方代理。
This store is the official agent for a certain brand of clothing.
我请朋友帮我代理收快递。
I asked a friend to receive the package on my behalf.
该国在新设立了经济事务代理处。
The country has established an agency for economic affairs in the new location.
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This Word in Other Languages
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