formal
common
Usage
Native speakers often use '委托' (wěituō) in professional and formal contexts, such as when assigning tasks to colleagues or delegating responsibilities in a project. For example, a manager might say, '我委托你完成这个报告' (I delegate this report to you) during a team meeting.
Synonyms & nuances
'委托' (wěituō) is closely related to '授权' (shòuquán), which means 'authorize.' While '授权' emphasizes giving someone the power to act, '委托' focuses on entrusting a task to someone, implying a level of accountability that the delegate must uphold.
Culture
'委托' (wěituō) has roots in the notion of trust and responsibility, reflecting the Confucian value of hierarchy and respect in relationships. Historically, delegation has been an important aspect of governance and management in Chinese society, showcasing the importance of collective effort to achieve common goals.
FAQ
Q.What does '委托' mean in English?
'委托' (wěituō) translates to 'delegate' in English, signifying the act of assigning responsibilities or tasks to someone else.
Q.How do you use '委托' in a sentence?
You can use '委托' in sentences like '我委托他处理客户投诉' (I delegate him to handle customer complaints) to express that you are entrusting someone with a specific duty.
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using '委托'?
A common mistake is confusing '委托' with '委任' (wěirèn), which means 'appoint.' While both involve giving someone a responsibility, '委托' specifically denotes task delegation, whereas '委任' often refers to formal appointments to positions.