JLPT · Level 133
15 words
Japanese word
外相
Pronunciation
Romajigaishō
Meaning
- nounforeign minister
Example
外相は記者会見を開きました。gai shō wa ki sha kai ken o hira ki ma shi ta
The foreign minister held a press conference.
More examples
外相は来月、隣国を訪問します。gai shō wa rai getsu rin goku o hō mon shi ma su
The foreign minister will visit a neighboring country next month.
Core concept
Refers to the government minister who manages diplomatic relations and represents a country in dealings with foreign governments.
Common phrases
外相会議gai shō kai gi
foreign ministers' meeting
外相と会談するgai shō to kai dan su ru
hold talks with a foreign minister
外相を派遣するgai shō o ha ken su ru
send a foreign minister
Similar words
外務大臣gaimudaijin: The formal full title for the cabinet official who manages a country's foreign affairs.
Definition in Japanese
外国との外交関係を担当する国の大臣。gai koku to no gai kō kan kei o tan tō su ru kuni no dai jin
Word origin
外 (gai, "outside") combines with 相 (shō, "minister") to form the Sino-Japanese term for a minister responsible for matters involving other countries.
Usage tips
- The title 外相 (gaishō) is a formal political title, so it refers to a cabinet official rather than to any diplomat working in a foreign embassy.