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March 24, 2026
代理dàilǐ(dai4li3)
代理 (dài lǐ) refers to the act of representing or acting on behalf of someone else, typically in a professional context. It often implies a level of responsibility and authority, such as in business dealings or legal matters. This term is commonly used when discussing agents, proxies, or representatives in various fields.
Frequency#4442DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese business culture, having a trusted 代理 is essential for maintaining relationships and ensuring smooth transactions. Many companies rely on agents to navigate the complexities of local markets, highlighting the importance of trust and responsibility.
Memory Tip
Think of 代 (dài) as 'to substitute' and 理 (lǐ) as 'reason' or 'logic.' Imagine a person acting in a meeting (代理) who is not just filling in but making decisions based on a logical understanding of the situation. Visualize a stand-in actor reading a script logically and impressively, embodying the essence of the original character.
Meanings of 代理
dàilǐ(dai4li3)
1to act on behalf of sb in a responsible position
2to act as an agent or proxy
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 代理
代理Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4442Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 代理
Podcast: 代理
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AI Study Notes for 代理
Quick Contrast
代理 (dàilǐ) vs 代表 (dàibiǎo): use 代理 when emphasizing the act of acting on behalf of someone in a professional capacity, while 代表 focuses more on the role of representing a group or organization.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 代 (dài) as 'to substitute' and 理 (lǐ) as 'reason' or 'logic.' Imagine a person acting in a meeting (代理) who is not just filling in but making decisions based on a logical understanding of the situation. Visualize a stand-in actor reading a script logically and impressively, embodying the essence of the original character.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 代理 (dài lǐ) with 代替 (dài tì), which means 'to replace.' The former carries a connotation of authority and responsibility, while the latter does not. It is primarily used in formal contexts, especially in business and legal discussions.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 代理 connects well with other terms related to business and representation, such as 代表 (dàibiǎo, representative) and 委托 (wěituō, entrust). Focus on understanding its usage in formal and legal contexts, as well as its common collocations.
Cultural Note
In Chinese business culture, having a trusted 代理 is essential for maintaining relationships and ensuring smooth transactions. Many companies rely on agents to navigate the complexities of local markets, highlighting the importance of trust and responsibility.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 代理 with 代替, using it incorrectly in contexts where replacement is meant. For example, saying '我代理他' (I replace him) instead of '我代理他' (I act on his behalf) can lead to misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 代理
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Grammar Patterns of 代理
代理 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
比加特·唐纳德，这家驻格拉斯哥的营销____公司已赢得了两个爱丁堡的客户。
Biggart Donald, the Glasgow-based marketing agency, has won two Edinburgh accounts.
Example Sentences for 代理 (6)
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1
比加特·唐纳德，这家驻格拉斯哥的营销代理公司已赢得了两个爱丁堡的客户。
bǐ jiā tè· · táng nà， dé ， zhè jiā zhù gé lā sī gē de yíng xiāo dài lǐ gōng sī yǐ yíng dé le liǎng gè ài dīng bǎo de。
Biggart Donald, the Glasgow-based marketing agency, has won two Edinburgh accounts.
2
考兰叫助理哈希姆在自己外出时代理其职。
kǎo lán jiào zhù lǐ hā xī mǔ zài zì jǐ wài chū shí dài lǐ qí zhí。
Kalan called his assistant, Hashim, to take over while he went out.
3
安妮选择了一家以专业人士为服务对象的高端代理商。
ān nī xuǎn zé le yī jiā yǐ zhuān yè rén shì wéi fú wù duì xiàng de gāo duān dài lǐ shāng。
Anne chose an upmarket agency aimed at professional people.
My agent has instructed me that you still owe me ￡
Cultural Notes for 代理
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese business culture, having a trusted 代理 is essential for maintaining relationships and ensuring smooth transactions. Many companies rely on agents to navigate the complexities of local markets, highlighting the importance of trust and responsibility.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, the concept of an agent or proxy may carry less emphasis on responsibility, often focusing more on the contractual aspect of representation compared to the trust-based relationships in Chinese culture.
Frequently Asked Questions about 代理
代理 refers to acting on behalf of someone with authority, while 代表 specifically means a representative, often in a more formal or official capacity.
While it can be used in informal contexts, 代理 is generally more appropriate in formal or professional settings.
No, it can also be used in legal and personal contexts where one person acts on behalf of another.
