Japanese word

使者

Pronunciation

Romajishisha

Meaning

  • nounmessenger

Example

王は隣の国へ使者を送りました。ō wa tonari no kuni e shi sha o oku ri ma shi ta

The king sent a messenger to the neighboring country.

Illustration for 使者 (messenger)

More examples

女王は遠い島からの使者を宮殿で迎えました。jo ō wa tō i shima ka ra no shi sha o kyū den de muka e ma shi ta

The queen welcomed a messenger from a distant island at the palace.

Core concept

Describes a person sent to carry a message or represent a sender before another person or group.

Common phrases

  • 使者を送るshi sha o oku ru

    send a messenger

  • 使者を迎えるshi sha o muka e ru

    welcome a messenger

  • 使者を立てるshi sha o ta te ru

    send an envoy

Similar words

使節shisetsu: An official representative sent to another person or group.
伝令denrei: A person sent to deliver a message, often in an urgent situation.
使いtsukai: A person sent on an errand to deliver a message or carry out a request.

Definition in Japanese

他国や目上の者などのもとへ、命令や伝言を伝えるために派遣される人。ta koku ya me ue no mono na do no mo to e mei rei ya den gon o tsuta e ru ta me ni ha ken sa re ru hito

Word origin

使者 (shisha) combines 使 (shi, "to send or employ") and 者 (sha, "person"), denoting a person sent for a purpose.

Usage tips

  • In English, messenger can mean anyone who carries a message, while 使者 (shisha) often suggests an official representative sent by a ruler or group.

Other meanings

  • envoynoun
  • emissarynoun

Word lists with this word