Translation guide
A deputy is a person appointed to act for another, especially in an official role. In Japanese, the translation depends on the context: a formal title (e.g., vice president), a temporary substitute, or a representative. The most common general term is 代理 (dairi), but specific titles like 副～ (fuku-) are used in organizational hierarchies.
A person authorized to act on behalf of another, often temporarily or in a specific capacity.
The most common and versatile term for a deputy, representative, or agent. Can be used in business, legal, and everyday contexts.
彼は社長の代理として会議に出席した。
He attended the meeting as the president's deputy.
代理を立ててください。
Please appoint a deputy.
A person who acts as a deputy or agent, often in legal or formal contexts. Slightly more concrete than 代理.
Acting on behalf of someone, often for a specific task or duty. Commonly used in service contexts (e.g., 運転代行).
A formal second-in-command position within an organization.
Someone who fills in for another person temporarily, often in a less formal or short-term capacity.
A substitute or replacement. Very common in daily conversation. Can be used for people or things.
A specific rank in police or sheriff departments, common in the US.
Direct translation for 'deputy sheriff'. Used in contexts referring to US law enforcement.
代理 (dairi) is a general deputy or representative, often with formal authority. 代行 (daikō) emphasizes performing a specific task on someone's behalf. 代わり (kawari) is a casual substitute, often temporary and without formal authority.
彼女は副所長に任命された。
She was appointed deputy director.
留守の間、代理が必要だ。
I need someone to act as my deputy while I'm away.
弁護士が代理人として交渉した。
The lawyer negotiated as a deputy.
秘書が業務を代行した。
The secretary acted as a deputy for the tasks.
deputy director (of an office)
副知事
deputy governor
Deputy director or assistant manager, a specific rank in Japanese companies, below 部長 (department head).
彼は営業部の次長です。
He is the deputy manager of the sales department.
Assistant or deputy, often used in titles like 課長補佐 (assistant section chief). Implies a supporting role rather than full substitution.
課長補佐として働いています。
I work as a deputy section chief.
彼の代わりに私が行きます。
I'll go as his deputy (in his place).
代わりを見つけなければならない。
I need to find a deputy (substitute).
From 'pinch hitter', used metaphorically for a temporary substitute, especially in sports or casual contexts.
急に休んだので、ピンチヒッターを頼んだ。
Since he suddenly took the day off, I asked for a deputy (pinch hitter).
He works as a deputy sheriff.
Alternative term for deputy sheriff, using the 副- prefix.
副保安官が現場に到着した。
The deputy sheriff arrived at the scene.
go shopping in someone's place
The prefix 副～ (fuku-) is for permanent or official deputy positions. For a temporary stand-in, use 代理 or 代わり instead.