대사
daesa[ˈtɛ(ː)sʰa̠]
The English word 'ambassador' is translated into Korean as 대사 (daesa).
The word refers to a diplomat of the highest rank. For example, 미국 대사님 is used to mean 'US Ambassador.'
Meaning: diplomat of the highest rank (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
daesa
When do people say it?
In Korean culture, it is customary to add the honorific suffix 님 to the job title 대사 to show respect. Therefore, the formal way to address an ambassador is 대사님.
Did you know?
- The word 대사 can also refer to a 'giant snake' (大蛇) in certain literary or classical contexts.
- While 대사 means 'ambassador', the same pronunciation is used for 'lines' in a play or script, written as 대사 (臺詞).
- In certain contexts, the word 대사 (大事) can also mean a 'major event' or a 'great matter', rather than a person.
Examples in context
- 그는 유엔 대사 였습니다.He was ambassador to the United Nations.This sentence is useful for identifying someone's former role as a 대사.Tatoeba #1533367 by mysonhs, translation #803178 by Source_VOA
- 안녕하세요, 대사님.Hello, Ambassador.
- 그는 주한 미국 대사입니다.geuneun juhan miguk daesaimnida.He is the U.S. Ambassador to Korea.
- 새로운 대사가 부임했습니다.saeroun daesaga buimhaetseumnida.A new ambassador has arrived.
Example conversation
Minji and Minjun are discussing a news report at a cafe.
- 민지 Min-ji민준 씨, 뉴스 봤어요?Minjun ssi, nyuseu bwasseoyo?Minjun, did you see the news?
- 민준 Min-jun아니요, 무슨 일인가요?aniyyo, museun iringayo?No, what happened?
- 민지 Min-ji새로운 대사가 파견되었대요.saeroun daesaga pagyeondoeeotdaeyo.They say a new ambassador has been dispatched.
- 민준 Min-jun정말 중요한 소식이네요.jeongmal jung-yohan sosigineyo.That is truly important news.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ambassador” translations and entries 대사, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 대사, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
