代表

• Reading: だいひょう
• Romaji: daihyou
• Kanji breakdown: 代 (dai) — substitute, generation; 表 (hyou) — surface, express
• Pronunciation: /da.i.çoː/

Meaning

Representative; delegation. A person or group acting on behalf of others, or the act of representing.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (代表する). Extremely common in business, sports, and politics: 代表取締役 (representative director/CEO), 日本代表 (Japan national team), 代表的な (representative/typical). Can refer to the person (representative) or the act (representation).

Examples

1. 彼はクラスを代表してスピーチをした。 He gave a speech on behalf of the class.
2. 日本代表のサッカーチームを応援している。 I'm cheering for the Japanese national soccer team.
3. この料理は日本の代表的な食べ物だ。 This dish is a representative Japanese food.

Usage Guide

Context: business, sports, politics

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 代 (dai, to substitute/generation) and 表 (hyou, surface/express). Together, 'expressing on behalf of' — standing in for others to communicate or act.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal