Speaking for Meaning in English

expression · lemma: speak for

US

ˈspikɪŋ/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ

SPEEK-ing for, FUR, FRUR

UK

spˈiːkɪŋ/ /fˈɔː

SPEEK-ing faw

Definition

To express the opinion, wishes, or interests of another person or group, not just your own.

Usage & Nuances

Often used to clarify you're expressing someone else's view, not just your own. Common in discussions or meetings. Can be followed by 'myself,' 'everyone,' 'the team,' etc. ('Speaking for myself...') Distinct from 'speaking of' (changing topic).

• Spanish: hablar por - representar (opinión)
• Portuguese (BR): falar por - representar (opinião)
• Portuguese (PT): falar por - representar (opinião)
• Chinese (Simplified): 代表...说话 - 代言
• Chinese (Traditional): 代表...說話 - 代言
• Hindi: के लिए बोलना - प्रतिनिधि के रूप में बोलना
• Arabic: يتكلم نيابة عن - يمثل (رأي)
• Bengali: পক্ষে কথা বলা - প্রতিনিধিত্ব করে বলা
• Russian: выражать мнение - говорить от имени
• Japanese: 〜を代表して話す - 〜について発言する
• Vietnamese: đại diện cho ý kiến - nói thay cho
• Korean: 대표해서 말하다 - 대신해서 말하다
• Turkish: adına konuşmak - temsil ederek konuşmak
• Urdu: کی طرف سے بولنا - نمائندگی کرنا
• Indonesian: berbicara mewakili - mewakili (pendapat)

Example Sentences

I am speaking for the team when I say we support your decision.

basic

Are you speaking for everyone, or just yourself?

basic

She is speaking for her classmates at the meeting.

basic

Speaking for myself, I think we should wait before deciding.

natural

I can't be speaking for everyone, but I know I'm not alone in this opinion.

natural

Thanks for speaking for those who couldn’t be here today.

natural