大使

• Reading: たいし
• Romaji: taishi
• Kanji breakdown: 大 (tai) — great, big; 使 (shi) — envoy, messenger, use
• Pronunciation: /ta.i.ɕi/

Meaning

Ambassador. A diplomatic representative of the highest rank sent to a foreign country.

A noun and adjectival noun used in diplomatic and international contexts. Most commonly appears in the compound 大使館 (taishikan, embassy). Also used in figurative titles like 親善大使 (shinzen taishi, goodwill ambassador). A formal word associated with international relations.

Examples

1. 日本の大使がスピーチを行った。 The Japanese ambassador gave a speech.
2. パスポートの問題で大使館に行った。 I went to the embassy about a passport issue.
3. 彼女は文化交流の親善大使に選ばれた。 She was chosen as a goodwill ambassador for cultural exchange.

Usage Guide

Context: diplomacy, international relations, news

Tone: formal

Origin & History

Composed of 大 (tai, great/big) and 使 (shi, envoy/messenger). Literally 'great envoy,' reflecting the ambassador's status as the highest-ranking diplomatic messenger.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated