How to say "represent" in Japanese

• 表すあらわすJLPT N3approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbCovers the core sense of 'represent' — to express, signify, or stand for something, as a symbol or sign does — and is the word you want for representing ideas, qualities, or facts.
  ＆のマークはａｎｄの文字もじを表あらわす。↗

  The sign "&" stands for "and".
• 替わるかわるJLPT N2approx.Common
  godan verb, intransitive verbMatches 'represent' only in the sense of acting in someone's place — substituting for or taking over for a person — and is not the word for representing ideas, meanings, or symbols.
  ジムは、ベティーにかわって手紙てがみを書かいた。↗

  Jim wrote the letter for Betty.

Choose 「表す」 when 'represent' means to express, signify, or stand for something, as symbols and statements do; 「替わる」 fits only the sense of representing someone by taking their place or substituting for them.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 表すあらわすto represent
• 示すしめすto indicate
• 替わるかわるto take the place of
• かたどるto symbolize