TongTong
Sign in

代言 (dài yán) — to be a spokesperson (for a brand), to endorse

Definition

Literal meaning: to speak on behalf of (a brand). It's a commercial term meaning to be a paid spokesperson, not a general word for 'endorsing' an idea. For agreeing with an idea, use 赞成 or 赞同.

verb
to be a spokesperson (for a brand)to endorse

Examples

  • 代言。
    Hěn duō yùn dòng míng xīng wèi tǐ yù pǐn pái dài yán.
    Many sports stars endorse sports brands.
  • 代言。
    Zhè jiā gōng sī qǐng le yí wèi zhù míng yǎn yuán lái dài yán.
    This company hired a famous actor to be its spokesperson.
  • 代言。
    Tā dài yán guò hǎo jǐ gè guó jì pǐn pái.
    She has endorsed several international brands.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
动宾dòngbīnVerb + object

An action followed by what it acts on, fused into one word.

代dàirepresent
言yánwords

代 “represent” and 言 “words” combine to mean speaking for someone or endorsing a brand.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
亻Written in full as人rénperson
Sound part声符shēngfú
弋
弋yì代dài
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

In 代, 亻 shows a person, and 弋 gives the sound.

Open 代 →

An abstract idea shown by a mark or a diagram rather than by a picture of an object.

The early form of 言 shows an opening and a mark indicating a location; the location is not described as the source of speech.

Open 言 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 7-9Marketing & Sales

Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.