Chinese phrase
可以用〜代替吗？ ké yǐ yòng 〜 dài tì ma
Meaning
Can I use ___ instead?
When to use it
It asks whether one option can replace another. The phrase suits everyday talk and formal procedures, but acceptance may depend on a rule or approval.
Example dialogue
这份表格需要手写签名，可以用电子签名代替吗？ zhè fèn biǎo gé xū yào shóu xiě qiān míng ké yǐ yòng diàn zi qiān míng dài tì ma
Can I use an electronic signature instead of a handwritten one?
抱歉，学校不接受电子签名，必须手写。 bào qiàn xué xiào bù jiē shòu diàn zi qiān míng bì xū shóu xiě
Sorry, the school does not accept electronic signatures. It has to be handwritten.