代理

• Pinyin: dài lǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 代 (substitute, on behalf of) + 理 (manage, handle)

Meaning

To act on behalf of; agent; proxy.

Can be a verb (to represent or act for someone) or a noun (an agent or representative). Common in business contexts for dealerships, authorized agents, and acting positions. Also used in computing for proxy servers.

Examples

1. 他代理这个品牌在中国的销售。 He acts as the agent for this brand's sales in China.
2. 经理出差期间，由副经理代理工作。 While the manager is on a business trip, the deputy manager will handle the work.
3. 我们正在招聘区域代理商。 We are recruiting regional distributors.

Usage Guide

Context: business, law, technology

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 谁来代理这件事？(Who will handle this matter?)
• 我是这个品牌的代理。(I'm an agent for this brand.)

Don't Say

• '代理'暗示正式授权的关系——非正式帮忙用'帮忙处理'比'代理'更合适 (代理 implies a formal authorized relationship — for informal help, 帮忙处理 is more suitable than 代理)

Origin & History

Compound of 代 (substitute, on behalf of) + 理 (manage, handle), meaning to manage affairs on someone's behalf.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal