“作为象征”常见的英文表达有 “as a symbol” 或 “serving as a symbol”。
As a symbol：直接且简洁，常用于一般性描述。例如：The dove is often used as a symbol of peace.（鸽子常被用作和平的象征。）
Serving as a symbol：更强调“起到象征作用”的动态过程，可用于更正式或深入的语境。例如：The ancient oak tree, serving as a symbol of strength and endurance, has stood in the village for centuries.（那棵古老的橡树，作为力量和耐力的象征，已经在村子里矗立了几个世纪。）