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东道主 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
东道主dōngdàozhǔhostHSK 7, nr, 22 strokes, rank #67040, Very Hard
东道主dōngdàozhǔofficial host (e.g. venue for games or a conference)HSK 7, nr, 22 strokes, rank #67040, Very Hard
dōngdàozhǔ(dong1dao4zhu3)dong dao zhu T1
  1. 1host
  2. 2official host (e.g. venue for games or a conference)
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March 24, 2026

东道主(東道主)dōngdàozhǔ(dong1dao4zhu3)

东道主 refers to the host or the official host of an event, particularly in contexts like conferences, ceremonies, or international games. The term emphasizes the role of the host in providing hospitality and facilitating the event, often implying a sense of pride and responsibility.

Strokes22Frequency#67040DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the role of the host is highly regarded, especially during significant events like the Spring Festival or weddings, where the host is expected to ensure guests feel welcomed and comfortable, reflecting the value of hospitality in Chinese society.

Memory Tip

Imagine a grand banquet where the '东' (east) direction is where the sun rises, symbolizing a new beginning. The '道' (way) leads guests to a warm '主' (master) who welcomes them. Picture the host standing at the eastern door, greeting everyone with open arms.

Meanings of 东道主

dōngdàozhǔ(dong1dao4zhu3)
1host
2official host (e.g. venue for games or a conference)
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About 东道主

东道主Simplified
東道主Traditional
22Strokes
—Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#65535Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

Podcast: 东道主

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Podcast: 东道主

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AI Study Notes for 东道主

Quick Contrast

东道主 (host) vs 主办方 (organizer) — use 东道主 when emphasizing hospitality and the role of the host, while 主办方 focuses on the organizing entity behind the event.

Usage Notes

This term is commonly used in formal contexts, so it's important to use it appropriately in conversations about events. A common mistake is to use it casually, which may sound out of place. Be mindful of the tone when discussing events, as '东道主' carries respect and significance.

HSK Study Tips

As a level 6 word, 东道主 connects with other formal vocabulary related to events and hospitality. Students should focus on contexts in which it is used, such as sports, conferences, or formal gatherings, and practice using it in sentences that involve hosting.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 东道主 with just '主人', which refers to a host in a home setting, not an event. For example, saying, '我家是东道主' (My home is the host) is incorrect; it should be '我家是主人' (My home is the master/owner).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 东道主

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Component Characters

东dōngeast
HSK 35 strokes一
View full entry
道dàodirection
HSK 412 strokes辶
View full entry
主zhǔowner
HSK 75 strokes丶
View full entry

How to say host in Chinese

“host” in Chinese is东道主dōngdàozhǔ

东道主 refers to the host or the official host of an event, particularly in contexts like conferences, ceremonies, or international games. The term emphasizes the role of the host in providing hospitality and facilitating the event, often implying a sense of pride and responsibility.

When to use 东道主

This term is commonly used in formal contexts, so it's important to use it appropriately in conversations about events. A common mistake is to use it casually, which may sound out of place. Be mindful of the tone when discussing events, as '东道主' carries respect and significance.

东道主 or something close to it

东道主 (host) vs 主办方 (organizer) — use 东道主 when emphasizing hospitality and the role of the host, while 主办方 focuses on the organizing entity behind the event.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 东道主 with just '主人', which refers to a host in a home setting, not an event. For example, saying, '我家是东道主' (My home is the host) is incorrect; it should be '我家是主人' (My home is the master/owner).

Write 东道主

东
道
主

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Cultural Notes for 东道主

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

While both cultures value hospitality, in Western contexts, the concept of a host may not carry the same sense of responsibility and pride that is inherent in the term 东道主 in Chinese culture.

Frequently Asked Questions about 东道主

It's best reserved for formal events, as it conveys a sense of official hosting.

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