dàibiǎo: 代表 - Represent, Representative, On behalf of

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

代表 is an extremely common word used across formal and informal situations.

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。)

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。)

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 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.

• 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).”

• 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.