Translation guide
A deputy is a person appointed to act for another, especially in an official role. In Japanese, the translation depends on the context: a formal title (e.g., vice president), a temporary substitute, or a representative. The most common general term is 代理 (dairi), but specific titles like 副～ (fuku-) are used in organizational hierarchies.
A person authorized to act on behalf of another, often temporarily or in a specific capacity.
The most common and versatile term for a deputy, representative, or agent. Can be used in business, legal, and everyday contexts.
彼は社長の代理として会議に出席した。
He attended the meeting as the president's deputy.
代理を立ててください。
Please appoint a deputy.
A person who acts as a deputy or agent, often in legal or formal contexts. Slightly more concrete than 代理.
弁護士が代理人として交渉した。
The lawyer negotiated as a deputy.
Acting on behalf of someone, often for a specific task or duty. Commonly used in service contexts (e.g., 運転代行).
秘書が業務を代行した。
The secretary acted as a deputy for the tasks.
A formal second-in-command position within an organization.
Prefix meaning 'vice-' or 'deputy'. Attach to a title to indicate the deputy role. Very common in business and government.
Deputy director or assistant manager, a specific rank in Japanese companies, below 部長 (department head).
Assistant or deputy, often used in titles like 課長補佐 (assistant section chief). Implies a supporting role rather than full substitution.
課長補佐として働いています。
I work as a deputy section chief.
Someone who fills in for another person temporarily, often in a less formal or short-term capacity.
A substitute or replacement. Very common in daily conversation. Can be used for people or things.
彼の代わりに私が行きます。
I'll go as his deputy (in his place).
代わりを見つけなければならない。
I need to find a deputy (substitute).
A specific rank in police or sheriff departments, common in the US.
Direct translation for 'deputy sheriff'. Used in contexts referring to US law enforcement.
彼は保安官代理として働いている。
He works as a deputy sheriff.
Alternative term for deputy sheriff, using the 副- prefix.
副保安官が現場に到着した。
The deputy sheriff arrived at the scene.
代理 (dairi) is a general deputy or representative, often with formal authority. 代行 (daikō) emphasizes performing a specific task on someone's behalf. 代わり (kawari) is a casual substitute, often temporary and without formal authority.
代理で会議に出る
attend a meeting as a deputy
運転代行を頼む
request a driving deputy (designated driver service)
代わりに買い物に行く
go shopping in someone's place
The prefix 副～ (fuku-) is for permanent or official deputy positions. For a temporary stand-in, use 代理 or 代わり instead.
彼女は副所長に任命された。
She was appointed deputy director.
留守の間、代理が必要だ。
I need someone to act as my deputy while I'm away.
He is the deputy manager of the sales department.
From 'pinch hitter', used metaphorically for a temporary substitute, especially in sports or casual contexts.
急に休んだので、ピンチヒッターを頼んだ。
Since he suddenly took the day off, I asked for a deputy (pinch hitter).