Translation guide
The English verb 'represent' has many distinct meanings. This guide organizes them by practical use, from acting on behalf of others to symbolizing ideas, with natural Japanese equivalents.
To speak or act officially for a person, organization, or country.
The most common and neutral way to say 'represent' in the sense of acting as a representative.
彼は会社を代表して会議に出席した。
He attended the meeting representing the company.
Emphasizes acting as a substitute or proxy, often in legal or business contexts.
弁護士が依頼人を代理して交渉した。
The lawyer negotiated on behalf of the client.
A phrase meaning 'as a representative of ~' or 'on behalf of ~'.
彼女は社長の代理としてスピーチをした。
She gave a speech as the president's representative.
To be a sign or symbol of an idea, quality, or group.
Used when something represents an abstract concept or quality.
鳩は平和を象徴する。
A dove represents peace.
A general verb meaning 'to express' or 'to indicate', often used for symbols or signs.
このマークは危険を表す。
This mark represents danger.
Means 'to mean' or 'to signify', suitable for explaining what something represents.
赤は情熱を意味する。
Red represents passion.
To show or describe someone or something in a particular way.
Used for representing in paintings, literature, or descriptions.
この絵は田園風景を描いている。
This painting represents a rural landscape.
To express or represent through artistic or creative means.
彼の作品は社会の闇を表現している。
His work represents the darkness of society.
To be a good example of a category or type.
Means 'to be a typical example of ~'.
彼は努力家の典型だ。
He represents the typical hard worker.
Can also mean 'to be representative of' a group or category.
この料理は日本を代表する味だ。
This dish represents the taste of Japan.
To officially express opinions, protests, or requests.
To formally state or propose something, often used in official contexts.
組合は会社に賃上げを申し入れた。
The union represented a demand for a pay raise to the company.
To petition or make a representation to authorities, often in writing.
住民は市に道路の改善を陳情した。
The residents represented their request for road improvements to the city.
To be the equivalent of something in another system or context.
Means 'to correspond to' or 'to be equivalent to'.
この金額は日本円で約1万円に相当する。
This amount represents about 10,000 yen in Japanese currency.
To fall under or correspond to a category or condition.
このケースは規則の第3条に該当する。
This case represents Article 3 of the regulations.
代表する is for representing people or groups (e.g., a company, a team). 象徴する is for abstract symbols (e.g., peace, freedom). Do not confuse them.
彼はチームを代表している。
He represents the team.
白は純潔を象徴する。
White represents purity.
Avoid directly translating 'represent' as 代表する in all contexts. For example, 'This painting represents a landscape' should use 描く, not 代表する.
彼女は国際会議で当社を代表しています。
She represents our company at international conferences.
赤色はしばしば危険を表します。
The color red often represents danger.