由……做主 (be in charge of deciding)
Meaning
The structure 由……做主 is used to express who has the authority or decision-making power over a particular matter. It explicitly designates a person as the one who makes the final call.
由……做主 places emphasis on delegating or acknowledging authority. 由 functions as a preposition meaning 'by' and identifies the decision-maker, while 做主 means 'to be in charge' or 'to have the final say.' This pattern is common in family discussions, business negotiations, and any context where authority needs to be clarified. A related expression 做不了主 means 'cannot make the decision' — implying one lacks the authority. The pattern can also be preceded by the topic or matter being decided. Unlike 管 (to manage) which is broader, 做主 specifically refers to the power to make final decisions.
Examples
- 这件事由你来做主，我完全支持你的决定。 This matter is for you to decide — I fully support your decision.
- 家里的大事都由奶奶做主，她说了算。 All major family matters are decided by Grandma — she has the final say.
- 项目的预算分配由财务部做主。 The project's budget allocation is decided by the finance department.
Usage Guide
Context: spoken, written, decision-making
Tone: authoritative
Do Say
- 公司的人事调动一向由总经理做主。
- 这次旅行的目的地由大家投票决定，谁也别替别人做主。
- 你自己的人生由你自己做主，不用总听别人的意见。
Don't Say
- 由天气做主我们去不去。(做主 requires a human agent who can make decisions — weather or natural forces cannot 'be in charge') → 天气好不好决定了我们去不去。
- 这个问题由做主他来解决。(由 must directly precede the person, and 做主 comes after — the word order cannot be rearranged) → 这个问题由他来做主解决。
Origin & History
做主 literally means 'to act as the master.' In traditional Chinese society, the 家主 (head of household) held decision-making authority, and 做主 retained this sense of having the final say. The 由 preposition formally designates who holds this role.
Cultural Context
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Related Phrases
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation and spaced repetition