主办

• Pinyin: zhǔ bàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 主 = lamp with flame above (original meaning: lamp wick, extended to 'master'); 办 = 力 (power) between two dots (original: to manage)

Meaning

To host; to sponsor; to organize. Refers to being the primary organizer or sponsor of an event, conference, or activity.

Often used for formal events like conferences, competitions, exhibitions, and festivals. The entity that 主办 an event takes primary responsibility for its organization and execution.

Examples

1. 这次国际电影节由北京市政府主办。 This international film festival is hosted by the Beijing municipal government.
2. 我们公司将主办一场大型行业论坛。 Our company will host a large industry forum.
3. 明年的世界杯将由哪个国家主办？ Which country will host the World Cup next year?

Usage Guide

Context: business, government, events

Tone: official

Do Say

• 本次活动由教育部主办。(This event is hosted by the Ministry of Education.)
• 我们学校主办了一场学术研讨会。(Our school hosted an academic symposium.)

Don't Say

• 说'我主办了一个生日派对' (Don't use 主办 for casual personal gatherings — use 办 or 举办 instead for informal events)

Origin & History

主 (main, primary) + 办 (to handle, to manage). Together they mean to be the main organizer.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal