JLPT · Level 139
15 words
Japanese word
代弁
Pronunciation
Romajidaiben
Meaning
- nounspeaking for
Example
その記者は市民の声を代弁します。so no ki sha wa shi min no koe o dai ben shi ma su
The reporter speaks for the citizens.
More examples
その弁護士は被害者の立場を代弁します。so no ben go shi wa hi gai sha no tachi ba o dai ben shi ma su
The lawyer speaks for the victim.
Core concept
Involves using one's own words to express another person's position, needs, or opinion as if acting in that person's place.
Common phrases
市民の声の代弁shi min no koe no dai ben
representation of citizens' voices
弱者の声の代弁jaku sha no koe no dai ben
representation of the vulnerable
Similar words
代言daigen: The act of stating another person's views on that person's behalf, with a formal tone.
Definition in Japanese
他人に代わって、その人の意見や立場を述べること。ta nin ni ka wa tte so no hito no i ken ya tachi ba o no be ru ko to
Word origin
The compound 代弁 (daiben) consists of 代 (dai, "in place of") and 弁 (ben, "speech"), which together describe speech on another person's behalf.
Usage tips
- Japanese reporting often uses 代弁 (daiben) for giving public expression to a community's concerns, so the word can frame one speaker as representing many people.
Related words
- 代弁者daibenshaspokespersonnoun
- 代弁するdaibensuruspeak forverb