noun HSK 5
shǐ
special envoy · special ambassador · special emissary

Meaning

特使 refers to a diplomat or representative sent on a special mission, typically by a government or international organization. This person has a specific mandate or task, often related to diplomatic negotiations, peace talks, or important international affairs. The term carries an official, formal tone and is commonly seen in news reports about international relations.

Usage

This word is primarily used in formal, diplomatic, and journalistic contexts. It appears frequently in news about international relations, peace negotiations, or crisis management. Native speakers use it when discussing high-level diplomatic missions rather than routine diplomatic work. It's not used in casual conversation unless specifically discussing current affairs.

Examples

  1. 01
    联合国派出特使前往该地区进行斡旋。
    Lián guó pài chū shǐ qián wǎng gāi jìn xíng xuán.
    The United Nations dispatched a special envoy to the region for mediation.
  2. 02
    总统任命他为气候变化特使
    Zǒng tǒng rèn mìng wèi hòu biàn huà shǐ.
    The president appointed him as special envoy for climate change.

Characters

Measure words

  • wèi一位特使
  • míng三名特使

Common collocations

  • 派遣特使
    pài qiǎn shǐ
    to dispatch a special envoy
  • 联合国特使
    lián guó shǐ
    UN special envoy
  • 和平特使
    píng shǐ
    peace envoy
  • 总统特使
    zǒng tǒng shǐ
    presidential special envoy

Origin

The word combines 特 (special, particular) with 使 (envoy, ambassador), literally meaning 'special envoy.' The character 使 has been used for diplomatic representatives in Chinese since ancient times.

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