Representing others or embodying an idea.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To act or speak for a group.
- Can also mean to symbolize or embody.
- Common in many contexts like politics and sports.
Overview
“代表”这个词在汉语中非常常用，它的基本意思是“代表”或“象征”。作为动词，它表示一个人或事物在某个场合中充当另一个群体、组织、国家或抽象概念的发言人或象征。例如，一位运动员可以代表国家参加奥运会，一位经理可以代表公司参加会议。它还可以指某物是某种特质或情况的体现，比如“他的成功代表了努力的价值”。这个词的用法广泛，从日常交流到正式场合都能见到。
“代表”通常后面会跟一个名词或名词短语，表示所代表的对象。例如：“他代表公司。”（He represents the company.）或者“她代表了我们部门。”（She represents our department.）。在某些语境下，“代表”也可以独立使用，或者后面跟一个动词短语，表示“出任代表”或“做出代表”。例如：“他被选为代表。”（He was chosen as a representative.）。此外，“代表”还可以用来表示“象征”或“体现”，这时后面通常跟抽象名词，如“希望”、“成功”、“失败”等。例如：“这幅画代表了那个时代的精神。”（This painting represents the spirit of that era.）
Examples
他代表我们公司去参加了这次重要的会议。
everydayHe represented our company at this important meeting.
这位选手将代表中国参加奥运会。
formalThis athlete will represent China in the Olympic Games.
在这次活动中，他可以说是我方的代表。
informalIn this event, he can be said to be our representative.
这个项目的设计理念代表了我们团队的创新精神。
academicThe design concept of this project represents our team's innovative spirit.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
我代表...
I represent...
代表大会
congress; conference
作为代表
as a representative
Often Confused With
'象征' primarily means 'to symbolize' or 'to be a symbol of', focusing on abstract meaning or representation. '代表' can also mean 'to represent' in a more direct sense, like a person speaking for a group, or an object standing for something else.
'代理' means 'to act as an agent' or 'to substitute', often implying legal or official authority to act on behalf of another. '代表' is broader and doesn't necessarily involve formal authorization.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
As a verb, '代表' often takes a direct object indicating what is being represented. The phrase '代表...的' is common when the representative is acting on behalf of someone or something. It's a versatile word used in both formal and informal settings.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse the verb '代表' with the noun '代表' (representative). Ensure context clarifies whether it's an action or a person/thing. Also, be careful not to overuse '象征' when '代表' is more appropriate for direct representation.
Tips
Think of a spokesperson
Imagine someone speaking for a whole group. That's '代表' in action.
Verb vs. Noun usage
Remember '代表' can be a verb (to represent) or a noun (a representative). Pay attention to the context.
Importance of representation
In many cultures, including Chinese culture, the act of representing someone or something carries significant responsibility and respect.
Word Origin
The character '代' originally depicted a person passing something to another, signifying succession or substitution. '表' means 'outer surface' or 'to show'. Together, '代表' signifies showing or acting on behalf of someone else.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, representing a group or entity often implies a significant level of trust and responsibility. A representative is expected to uphold the interests and image of those they represent.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'deputy' (a representative) who 'represents' their constituents. The sound is similar, and the meaning connects directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“代表”可以指人或物代表某个群体或事物，也可以指象征。而“象征”更侧重于某物代表某种抽象的意义或理念，通常指物。
是的，“代表”既可以作动词，也可以作名词。作名词时，指被选出来代表他人或集体的人。
当一个人或事物要为另一个群体、组织、国家或抽象概念发言、出面或体现其精神时，就会用到“代表”。
通常后面跟一个名词或名词短语，表示所代表的对象，如“代表公司”、“代表人民”。有时也可跟动词短语，表示“出任代表”。
Test Yourself
这位大使将______国家参加国际会议。
这里需要一个动词表示“为国家出面”，所以“代表”最合适。
他的成功______了不懈努力的价值。
这句话的意思是他的成功“体现”或“象征”了努力的价值，但“代表”在这里作为动词，表示“象征”或“体现”的含义，是A2级别最常用的用法。
请将以下词语组成一个句子：他 / 公司 / 代表
这是最标准的“主语+谓语+宾语”结构，表示“他”这个主语执行“代表”这个动作，对象是“公司”。
Score: /3
Summary
Representing others or embodying an idea.
- To act or speak for a group.
- Can also mean to symbolize or embody.
- Common in many contexts like politics and sports.
Think of a spokesperson
Imagine someone speaking for a whole group. That's '代表' in action.
Verb vs. Noun usage
Remember '代表' can be a verb (to represent) or a noun (a representative). Pay attention to the context.
Importance of representation
In many cultures, including Chinese culture, the act of representing someone or something carries significant responsibility and respect.
Examples
4 of 4他代表我们公司去参加了这次重要的会议。
He represented our company at this important meeting.
这位选手将代表中国参加奥运会。
This athlete will represent China in the Olympic Games.
在这次活动中，他可以说是我方的代表。
In this event, he can be said to be our representative.
这个项目的设计理念代表了我们团队的创新精神。
The design concept of this project represents our team's innovative spirit.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
大约
B1Used to show that a number or amount is not exact; approximately.
上边
A2above, on top
上面
A1on, above, over
