东道主 dōngdàozhǔ host
host; official host (e.g. venue for games or a conference)
How to remember 东道主: 东 east + 道 way + 主 lord = host.
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How it is used
- The host - the party hosting an event, especially games or a conference - 中国作为东道主 (Zhōngguó zuòwéi dōngdàozhǔ) China as the host country.
- Common in sports/diplomacy talk (Olympics, summits); can also mean the one treating you to a meal.
- The term comes from a classical story about a host on the road east; today just use it for 'the hosting side'.