做主
zuò zhǔ HSK 6

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

这件事由你来做主。
Zhè jiàn shì yóu nǐ lái zuòzhǔ.
You take the responsibility for this matter.
父母应该让孩子自己做主。
Fùmǔ yīnggāi ràng háizi zìjǐ zuòzhǔ.
Parents should let children decide for themselves.
公司领导为项目做主。
Gōngsī lǐngdǎo wèi xiàngmù zuòzhǔ.
The company leader decides for the project.
我做主。
Wǒ zuòzhǔ.
I decide.
他做主。
Tā zuòzhǔ.
He is in charge.

💡 Memory Tip

Think of 做主 as 'acting as the master' (做 + 主). Imagine a situation where someone steps up to 'make the call' or 'take charge,' like a leader deciding for a team. This links to its meaning of authoritative decision-making.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in formality and used in both spoken and written Chinese. It's common in contexts involving personal, family, or organizational decisions, such as in households, businesses, or social situations where someone takes the lead.

📖 Grammar Points

Often used in patterns like '由 + person + 做主' (e.g., 由你来做主 - 'It's up to you to decide') or as a verb-object structure where 做 means 'to act as' and 主 means 'the master/decision-maker.' It can be negated as 做不了主 ('cannot make the decision,' implying lack of authority).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In traditional Chinese culture, 做主 often relates to hierarchical roles, such as elders or leaders making decisions for a group. It reflects values of responsibility and authority within social or family structures, though modern usage is broader.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to 决定 (juédìng, 'to decide'), 做主 emphasizes authority and responsibility in decision-making, often within a specific domain or role. 决定 is more general and can refer to any decision, while 做主 implies being in charge.

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