Meaning of 代表
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- representative
- delegate
- to represent
- to stand for
- on behalf of
- in the name of
Measure word: 位,個|个,名
How to use 代表
代表 works as a noun for a delegate or representative and as a verb meaning to represent or stand for. It often appears in the pattern 代表 + group + 做某事, meaning to do something on behalf of that group. Example: 我代表公司欢迎大家。(Wǒ dàibiǎo gōngsī huānyíng dàjiā.) I welcome everyone on behalf of the company.
代 (dài) means to take the place of, and 表 (biǎo) means to show outwardly, as in 表示 (biǎoshì). A 代表 is someone who takes your place and shows your views to others.
Common mistake: Learners often confuse 代 (dài) with 代替 (dàitì, to replace). 代表 means to speak or act for someone, while 代替 means to do something instead of them. Also keep 代 fourth tone and 表 third tone. Do not say dǎibiào.
代表 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
代 dài · to be a substitute for · 5 strokes
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
表 biǎo · exterior surface · 8 strokes
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
Related words
Words that share a character with 代表.
| 表示 | biǎoshì | (of sb) to express; to state; to show; (of sth) to indicate; to signify; to show |
| 手表 | shǒubiǎo | wristwatch |
| 表演 | biǎoyǎn | play; show |
| 表现 | biǎoxiàn | to show; to show off |
| 时代 | shídài | age; era |
| 年代 | niándài | a decade of a century (e.g. the Sixties); age |
| 表达 | biǎodá | to express; to convey |
| 表明 | biǎomíng | to make clear; to make known |
| 发表 | fābiǎo | to issue; to publish |
| 表面 | biǎomiàn | surface; face |
| 现代 | xiàndài | modern times; modern age |
| 古代 | gǔdài | ancient times |
Questions about 代表
What does 代表 mean?
代表 (dàibiǎo) means "representative; delegate" and is used as a noun and verb.
How do you write 代表?
代表 is made of 2 characters: 代 (5 strokes), 表 (8 strokes). That is 13 strokes in total.
Is 代表 an HSK word?
Yes. 代表 is on the HSK 3 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
Can 代表 mean that a symbol stands for something?
Yes. It can describe what a symbol or color means. Example: 红色代表快乐。(Hóngsè dàibiǎo kuàilè.) Red stands for happiness.
What is the difference between 代表 and 表示?
代表 means to represent or stand for someone or something. 表示 (biǎoshì) means to express or show a feeling or attitude, as in 表示感谢 (biǎoshì gǎnxiè), to express thanks.