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做主 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
做主
zuòzhǔ
to make the decision
HSK 6, v, 16 strokes, rank #9359, Hard
做主
zuòzhǔ
to take charge of
HSK 6, v, 16 strokes, rank #9359, Hard
做主
zuòzhǔ
to back up
HSK 6, v, 16 strokes, rank #9359, Hard
做主
zuòzhǔ
to support
HSK 6, v, 16 strokes, rank #9359, Hard
做主
zuòzhǔ
to be host
HSK 6, v, 16 strokes, rank #9359, Hard
zuòzhǔ(zuo4zhu3)zuo zhu T4
1to make the decision
2to take charge of
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March 24, 2026
做主zuòzhǔ(zuo4zhu3)
做主 (zuòzhǔ) means to make a decision or take charge in a situation. It can also imply supporting someone or backing them up in their choices. This expression is commonly used in contexts where authority or responsibility is being discussed, such as business decisions or personal relationships.
Strokes16Frequency#9359DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 做主 often relates to collectivism, where group consensus is valued. In family matters, the eldest member is typically seen as the one to 做主, highlighting respect for hierarchy and authority.
Memory tip
Imagine a wise leader sitting on a throne, holding a gavel, symbolizing their authority to make decisions. The character 做 (zuò) resembles the action of doing, while 主 (zhǔ) looks like a person standing tall, representing a leader. Together, they form the concept of 'making decisions' or 'being in charge.'
Meanings of 做主
zuòzhǔ(zuo4zhu3)
1to make the decision
2to take charge of
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 做主
做主Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#9359Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 做主
Podcast: 做主
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AI study notes for 做主
Quick Contrast
决定 (juédìng) vs 做主 (zuòzhǔ): use 决定 when referring specifically to making a decision, while 做主 emphasizes taking charge or supporting someone in their decision-making.
Usage Notes
While 做主 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, be cautious of the tone. In informal situations, it can sound more like giving an opinion, while in formal settings, it emphasizes authority. A common mistake is using it too casually in serious discussions.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 做主 connects to other advanced vocabulary related to decision-making and leadership. Focus on its connotations in different contexts, such as business versus personal life, to fully grasp its nuances.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 做主 with 决定. For instance, saying '我决定做主这个项目' (I decide to take charge of this project) is incorrect; instead, use '我做主这个项目' (I am in charge of this project).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 做主
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做主 (zuòzhǔ) means to make a decision or take charge in a situation. It can also imply supporting someone or backing them up in their choices. This expression is commonly used in contexts where authority or responsibility is being discussed, such as business decisions or personal relationships.
When to use 做主
While 做主 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, be cautious of the tone. In informal situations, it can sound more like giving an opinion, while in formal settings, it emphasizes authority. A common mistake is using it too casually in serious discussions.
做主 or something close to it
决定 (juédìng) vs 做主 (zuòzhǔ): use 决定 when referring specifically to making a decision, while 做主 emphasizes taking charge or supporting someone in their decision-making.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 做主 with 决定. For instance, saying '我决定做主这个项目' (I decide to take charge of this project) is incorrect; instead, use '我做主这个项目' (I am in charge of this project).
Write 做主
做
主
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Practice writing 做主 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 做主
做主 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
为了谁____角的问题爆发了一场吵闹。
A catfight has erupted over who will get top billing.
Example sentences for 做主 (10)
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vto make the decision8
1
为了谁做主角的问题爆发了一场吵闹。
wèile shéi zuòzhǔ jiǎo de wèntí bàofā le yī chǎng chǎo nào。
A catfight has erupted over who will get top billing.
2
从此我们抬起头来当家做主了.
cóngcǐ wǒmen tái qǐ tóu lái dāng jiā zuòzhǔ le.
From then on we raised our heads and became our own masters.
3
面对复杂的投资选择，董事会决定由财务总监做主，以确保资金的合理使用。
Miàn duì fùzá de tóuzī xuǎnzé, dǒngshìhuì juédìng yóu cáiwù zǒngjiān zuòzhǔ, yǐ quèbǎo zījīn de hélǐ shǐyòng.
Faced with complex investment choices, the board decided to let the CFO make the decision to ensure the reasonable use of funds.
4
在项目开发的关键时刻，团队一致同意让项目经理做主，保证项目的顺利推进。
Zài xiàngmù kāifā de guānjiàn shíkè, tuánduì yīzhì tóngyì ràng xiàngmù jīnglǐ zuòzhǔ, bǎozhèng xiàngmù de shùnlì tuījìn.
At the critical moment of project development, the team unanimously agreed to let the project manager make the decision to ensure smooth progress.
