日本語道場

Nihongo Dojo — N3 → N2

Grammar

N3

~に代わって

~ni kawatte

on behalf of, in place of

When to use it

Use ~に代わって when someone or something takes over the role, function, or position of another — a subordinate speaking for an absent 部長, a new system replacing the old one. In reading, it signals substitution or succession, so watch for it in reports describing organizational or technological change. The 連用形 form ~に代わり(まして) is the standard written and ceremonial variant.

Formation

  • Noun + に代わって / に代わり — the only productive pattern; 代わりまして is used in formal speech (挨拶, 式辞).
  • Noun + に代わる + Noun — attributive use: 従来品に代わる新製品.
  • Verbs / i-adjectives / na-adjectives: not used. For verbs, use 辞書形 + 代わりに (手伝う代わりに…), which means "in exchange for" rather than "on behalf of".
  • Do not confuse with Noun + の代わりに, which allows a wider "substitute / in exchange" reading; に代わって leans toward taking over a role.

Examples

  • Today I'll be giving the explanation in place of the department manager.

  • On behalf of the president, allow me to express our thanks.

  • Tanaka will attend next week's regular meeting in my place.

  • We will introduce a new platform to replace the old system next term.

  • I'm writing to you on behalf of the person in charge.