noun HSK 6
Traditional 使節
shǐ jié
envoy · diplomatic envoy · emissary

Meaning

使节 refers to an official representative sent by one government to another on a diplomatic mission. This formal term is used in political and diplomatic contexts to describe ambassadors, special envoys, or other official messengers representing a nation or organization in international affairs.

Usage

This is a formal, literary term typically found in news reports, diplomatic communications, and official documents. In everyday conversation, people might use simpler terms like 大使 (ambassador) or 代表 (representative) instead. Common in phrases like 特使 (special envoy) or 外交使节 (diplomatic envoy).

Examples

  1. 01
    中国政府派遣特别使节前往该国进行和平谈判。
    Zhōngguó zhèngfǔ pàiqiǎn tèbié shǐjié qiánwǎng gāi guó jìnxíng hépíng tánpàn.
    The Chinese government dispatched a special envoy to that country for peace negotiations.
  2. 02
    总统在官邸接见了来访的外交使节
    Zǒngtǒng zài guāndǐ jiējiàn le láifǎng de wàijiāo shǐjié.
    The president received the visiting diplomatic envoy at the official residence.

Characters

Measure words

  • wèi一位使节
  • míng两名使节

Common collocations

  • 外交使节
    wài jiāo shǐ jié
    diplomatic envoy
  • 派遣使节
    pài qiǎn shǐ jié
    to dispatch an envoy
  • 特别使节
    bié shǐ jié
    special envoy
  • 接见使节
    jiē jiàn shǐ jié
    to receive an envoy

Origin

使 originally meant 'to send' or 'messenger,' while 节 here refers to the ceremonial staff or credentials carried by ancient envoys as proof of their authority. Together they formed the term for an official diplomatic representative bearing credentials.

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