代替
dàitì
In Chinese, instead is expressed as 代替 (dàitì). Wiktionary also lists 抵作 (dǐzuò).
Meaning: in the place of (it) (adv)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 代替 | dàitì |
| 抵作 | dǐzuò |
In the common structure 'A 代替 B', A is the substitute and B is the original item or person being replaced. To convey the meaning of 'rather than' or 'instead of', you can use the phrase 而不是 (ér bùshì).
What does it mean word for word?
The character 代 in 代替 means to act on behalf of or to substitute.
Which one should you use?
While 代替 is a general term for replacement, 抵作 is more specific to using one thing to offset or compensate for another, such as using a credit to pay a debt.
How does it change in a sentence?
代替 is a transitive verb that typically takes an object representing the thing being replaced or the person acting as a substitute.
How do you pronounce it?
dàitì
Did you know?
- In Chinese culture, the act of 代替 someone in a social obligation, such as attending a wedding for a friend, is a common way to maintain 'mianzi' or social face.
- The character 代 is also used to denote a dynasty or an era, such as the 'Tang Dynasty'. This links the idea of 'replacing' something to the way one historical period succeeds another.
- While 代替 means to replace, the related word 代表 (dàibiǎo) means to represent. Both share the character 代, showing how 'acting for' someone can mean either taking their place or speaking on their behalf.
Examples in context
- 她用人造黄油代替了黄油。She used margarine instead of butter.This sentence demonstrates using one food item to replace another with 代替.Tatoeba #8751019 by crescat, translation #1578558 by CM
- 用擰檬汁代替醋。Use lemon juice instead of vinegar.This sentence shows how to use lemon juice to replace vinegar with 代替.Tatoeba #10518733 by DaoSeng, translation #2901277 by mervert1
- 他代替他的父親去。He went there instead of his father.This sentence illustrates a person acting as a substitute for someone else using 代替.Tatoeba #918775 by Martha, translation #303307 by CK
- 我不想去公园，相反我想去博物馆I don't want to go to the park, instead, I want to go to the museum.
- 他越练习，成绩反而下降了Instead, the more he practiced, the worse his grades became.
- 我不想吃面条，给我别的菜吧I don't want to eat noodles, give me something else instead.
- 我喜欢跳舞而不是唱歌I like dancing instead of singing.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Xiaowen and Junjie are discussing a cooking recipe at home.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen家里没有盐了，可以用酱油代替吗？Jiālǐ méiyǒu yán le, kěyǐ yòng jiàngyóu dàitì ma?We are out of salt, can we use soy sauce instead?
- 俊杰 Junjie味道可能会不太一样。Wèidào kěnéng huì bù tài yīyàng.The taste might be a bit different.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen没关系，我们试试看吧。Méiguānxi, wǒmen shìshì kàn ba.It's okay, let's give it a try.
- 俊杰 Junjie好，那我就用酱油代替。Hǎo, nà wǒ jiù yòng jiàngyóu dàitì.Okay, then I will use soy sauce instead.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “instead” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
