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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "to replace" with 替代 (tìdài)

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    A + 替代 + B / 替代 + Noun

    Explanation

    替代 (tìdài) means "to replace" or "to substitute" and is used as a verb indicating that one thing takes the place of another. It can also function as an attributive adjective, as in 替代方案 (alternative plan). It is common in both spoken and written Chinese.

    Examples

    • 电子邮件已经在很大程度上替代了传统信件。

      Diànzǐ yóujiàn yǐjīng zài hěn dà chéngdù shàng tìdài le chuántǒng xìnjiàn.

      Email has largely replaced traditional letters.

    • 目前还没有什么技术能完全替代人工服务。

      Mùqián hái méiyǒu shénme jìshù néng wánquán tìdài réngōng fúwù.

      At present, no technology can completely replace human services.

    • 我们需要找到一个替代方案。

      Wǒmen xūyào zhǎodào yī gè tìdài fāng'àn.

      We need to find an alternative solution.

    Expressing "to replace" with 替代 (tìdài) | Chinese Grammar