1.
substitute; stand-in; someone who takes another's place
A person who takes the place of another, especially to bear punishment, danger, or hardship on their behalf. Can also refer to an object used as a protective substitute.
彼は友人の身代わりになった。
He took his friend's place.
身代わりの人形を置いて逃げた。
He left a substitute doll and escaped.
王子の身代わりとして処刑されそうになったが、最後に真実が明らかになった。
He was about to be executed as a stand-in for the prince, but the truth came to light at the last moment.
Compound of 身 (body, self) + 代わり (substitute). Carries a dramatic nuance of self-sacrifice or deception.
In traditional Japanese culture, 身代わり地蔵 (substitute Jizo statues) are believed to take on illness or misfortune in place of a person. 身代わりのお守り (protective charms) serve a similar function.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 身代わりになる (to become a substitute)
- 身代わりを立てる (to put up a stand-in)
- 身代わり地蔵 (substitute Jizo statue)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 代わり: substitute, replacement (neutral, everyday)
- 替え玉: body double, fake substitute (often implies deception)
- 犠牲: sacrifice (emphasizes the cost or loss)