1.
envoy, delegate, emissary
A person or group sent on a diplomatic or official mission to represent their country or organization. Also refers to the mission itself.
A formal, somewhat literary term often encountered in history and diplomatic contexts. Different from the homophone 施設 (facility).
Common collocations
- 外交使節 (diplomatic envoy)
- 使節団 (delegation, diplomatic mission group)
- 特使 / 特別使節 (special envoy)
- 使節を派遣する (send an envoy)
- 使節を迎える (receive an envoy)
Historical usage
Often seen in Japanese history: 遣唐使 (envoys to Tang China), 遣隋使 (envoys to Sui China), 天正遣欧使節 (Tensho embassy to Europe).