主持

• Pinyin: zhǔ chí
• Hanzi breakdown: 主 = 丶(dot) + 王 (king), depicting a lamp flame — the main one; 持 = 扌(hand) + 寺 (temple)

Meaning

Host; preside over; chair. To lead or oversee an event, meeting, or programme as the master of ceremonies.

Used for hosting television shows, ceremonies, and events, as well as chairing meetings and conferences. The person who hosts is called 主持人 (host/presenter). Very common in media and entertainment contexts. Also used in more formal settings for presiding over meetings or managing proceedings. Can also mean 'to uphold' in the sense of 主持正义 (uphold justice).

Examples

1. 今天的会议由李经理主持。 Today's meeting is chaired by Manager Li.
2. 她在电视台当主持人已经五年了。 She has been a TV presenter for five years.
3. 谁来主持明天的活动？ Who will host tomorrow's event?

Usage Guide

Context: media, business, events

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 她主持了今年的春节晚会。(She hosted this year's Spring Festival Gala.)
• 这个节目的主持人很有名。(The host of this programme is very famous.)

Don't Say

• 我主持了朋友的生日派对。(For informal gatherings among friends, 主持 sounds too formal — say 组织 or 负责 instead)

Origin & History

主 (main, master) + 持 (hold, maintain). Together they mean 'to hold as master,' hence 'to host' or 'preside over.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal