GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜に代わって
Indicates performing a role in place of the person or thing originally responsible for it.
Examples
体調を崩した父に代わって私が式に出席した。
I attended the ceremony in place of my father, who had fallen ill.
Words used
部長に代わって私が報告します。
I will give the report on behalf of the department head.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Attach
に代わってto the original role-holder to describe another person carrying out that role instead. - Basic usage:
部長に代わって私が報告します。means that the speaker will give the report in the department head's place.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- The substitute and the person replaced
- In
姉に代わって私が受付をする, the speaker handles reception in place of an older sister. In私に代わって姉が受付をする, the older sister substitutes for the speaker, reversing the roles.
- In