‘代理’ (dài lǐ) literally combines ‘代’ (to substitute, act on behalf of) and ‘理’ (to manage, handle), forming a compound meaning ‘to act as agent for’ or ‘agency’. As a noun, it refers to the role, position, or arrangement where one person or entity officially represents another — for example, a sales agent, a proxy in business, or an authorized representative. It’s commonly used in commercial, legal, and administrative contexts.

As a verb, ‘代理’ means ‘to serve as agent for’ or ‘to handle affairs on someone else’s behalf’. The word implies formal authorization rather than casual help; it often appears with prepositions like ‘为…代理’ (to act as agent for…) or as part of job titles (e.g., 代理经理). Unlike general assistance verbs like 帮助, 代理 carries connotations of official delegation, responsibility, and authority.