代理

• Reading: だいり
• Romaji: dairi
• Kanji breakdown: 代 (dai) — substitute, generation; 理 (ri) — reason, manage
• Pronunciation: /da.i.ɾi/

Meaning

Representation; proxy; deputy. Acting in place of someone else or the person who does so.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (代理する) and a no-adjective. Used in business and legal contexts: 代理人 (agent/proxy), 代理店 (agency/dealership), 代理出席 (attending as a substitute). Implies official delegation of authority, more formal than 代わり (substitute).

Examples

1. 部長の代理で会議に出席した。 I attended the meeting on behalf of the department manager.
2. この書類は代理人が提出できます。 This document can be submitted by a proxy.
3. 旅行代理店でツアーを予約した。 I booked a tour at a travel agency.

Usage Guide

Context: business, legal, travel

Tone: professional

Origin & History

Compound of 代 (dai, to substitute) and 理 (ri, reason/manage). Together, 'managing as a substitute' — handling affairs on someone else's behalf.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Professional