Definition
替 (tì) has two main uses: as a preposition meaning 'for, on behalf of' (doing something in someone's place) and as a verb meaning 'to replace, substitute'. Compared to 给 (gěi) — which also means 'for' but is much broader — 替 emphasizes acting *instead of* someone. As a verb, it is more colloquial than formal 代替 (dàitì) and less forceful than 取代 (qǔdài 'supplant').
verb
to replaceto substitute for
preposition
foron behalf of
Easily confused
- 扶fúlook-aliketo support with the hand; to help (someone) up; to hold onto (something) for support
- 提tísound-aliketo carry (hanging from the hand); to lift
- 踢tīsound-aliketo kick; to play (a ball game, esp. soccer)
- 题tísound-alikeexam question, test problem
- 剃tìsound-aliketo shave (hair, beard, head)
Examples
- 替？Nǐ néng tì wǒ zhíbān ma?Can you cover my shift for me?
- 替。Tā tì dàjiā mǎi le kāfēi.He bought coffee for everyone.
- 替。Wǒ tì nǐ gǎndào gāoxìng.I feel happy for you.
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