1The conduct of relations between nations through negotiation and dialogue, typically carried out by embassies and foreign ministries; diplomacy.
首相は外交でアジア各国との関係強化を目指している。
The prime minister is aiming to strengthen relations with Asian countries through diplomacy.
彼は大学で国際関係を学んだ後、外交の道に進んだ。
After studying international relations at university, he pursued a career in diplomacy.
外交上の対立を、話し合いによって解決するべきだ。
Diplomatic conflicts should be resolved through dialogue.
彼女は将来、外交官として外交の現場で働きたいと考えている。
She hopes to work in the field of diplomacy as a diplomat in the future.
2The work of visiting customers' homes one by one to sell goods or insurance; often paired with 外交員 (a door-to-door salesperson) — a somewhat dated term today.
祖母は若いころ、保険の外交をしていたそうだ。
I heard my grandmother used to work in door-to-door insurance sales when she was young.
外交で家々を回るのは、体力のいる仕事だった。
Going door-to-door on sales rounds was physically demanding work.