HSK 4
替
tì
The word '替' (on behalf of, for someone)
Explanation
替 (tì) is a preposition (a word placed before a noun to indicate a relationship: at, with, for...), used to introduce the object that the action is directed toward, meaning 'in place of, on behalf of, for (someone)'.
subject (the person or thing performing the action, at the head of the sentence) + 替 (tì) + person + verb, e.g. 替我担心 (tì wǒ dān xīn = to worry on my behalf/for me), 替你高兴 (tì nǐ gāo xìng = to be happy for you). The phrase 替 + person serves as an adverbial (a component indicating time, place, or manner) placed before the verb.
(1) doing something on someone's behalf (替我买票 tì wǒ mǎi piào = buy the ticket for me); (2) sharing an emotion for someone's sake (替你高兴, 替他难过 = to feel sad for him).
替 (tì) is close in meaning to 为 (wèi, for/on behalf of) and 给 (gěi, for). 替 emphasizes 'on behalf of, doing for someone'; 为 is more formal, leaning toward 'for the benefit of'; 给 is more colloquial. In many cases they are interchangeable (替你 / 为你 / 给你担心).
placing it in the wrong position, putting 替 + person after the verb (*担心替我 — wrong). Always place '替 + person' BEFORE the main verb.
Examples
Don't worry on my behalf anymore, I can handle it myself.
For achieving such good results, everyone is happy for you.
Practice
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Learn “替” effectively
The grammar point “替” (The word '替' (on behalf of, for someone)) is one of the key structures at HSK 4. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
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