‘代表团’ (dài biǎo tuán) literally combines ‘代’ (to represent), ‘表’ (to express or stand for), and ‘团’ (group or team). Together, it means a formal group of people officially appointed to represent an organization, government, institution, or country in meetings, negotiations, conferences, or diplomatic events. It emphasizes authorized representation rather than casual attendance.

This term is commonly used in political, diplomatic, academic, and business contexts — for example, a provincial delegation visiting Beijing, or a university delegation attending an international education fair. Unlike generic terms like ‘group’ or ‘team’, 代表团 implies official status, a shared mission, and often hierarchical structure (e.g., a head delegate and supporting members). It is neutral in register but formal in tone, and rarely appears in informal speech or personal contexts.