courier

Compared meaning: a person who delivers packages or messages (noun).

比较义项：递送包裹或消息的人（名词）。

• courier 本词

  Emphasizes a professional delivery service carrying parcels, packages, or documents for a fee; common in business contexts like 'courier company' or 'by courier', not tied to an urgent spoken message.

  强调专业的快递或送货服务，负责为客户递送包裹、邮件或文件，常见于商业场景，例如“快递公司”或“通过快递寄送”；不强调传达紧急口信或消息。

  The courier company promised same-day delivery of the sealed package.

  快递公司承诺当天送达这份密封的包裹。

• messenger

  Emphasizes personally carrying and delivering a message or letter, often urgently or on someone's behalf; fits everyday, historical, or literary contexts, not tied to a commercial service.

  强调亲自携带并递送一条消息或信件，往往带有紧急或代人传话的意味；可用于日常语境，也可用于历史或文学语境，与商业快递服务无关。

  The king sent a messenger galloping across the kingdom with an urgent letter.

  国王派一名信使骑马穿越王国传送一封紧急书信。

Courier and messenger both mean someone who delivers packages or messages. Courier stresses a professional delivery service, common in business. Messenger stresses personally carrying a message, often urgently, in everyday or literary use, not a paid service. Not compared: courier as 'tour guide'.

这两个词都指“负责递送包裹或消息的人”，含义相近但语气不同：courier强调通过专业快递或送货服务递送包裹、邮件或文件，语域偏中性商业；messenger强调亲自携带、传递一条消息或口信，可能带有紧急或历史文学色彩。这里不比较courier的另一义项“导游”。