Definition
做东 is a verb-object phrase (离合词) meaning 'to act as host' or 'to treat someone (to a meal or event)'. The character 东 ('east') comes from ancient Chinese seating customs where the host sits facing east. You can split the phrase to insert aspect markers or measure words, e.g. 做了东 ('acted as host') or 做一次东 ('host once'). It's commonly used when someone offers to pay for a group meal or gathering.
v
to act as hostto treat someone (to a meal or event)
Examples
- 做东，。Jīntiān wǒ lái zuò dōng, qǐng dàjiā chīfàn.Today I'll be the host and treat everyone to a meal.
- ，。Tā zuótiān zuò le yí cì dōng, qǐng wǒmen chī huǒguō.He acted as host yesterday and treated us to hotpot.
- ，。Wǒ hái méi zuò guò dōng ne, xià cì ba.I haven't hosted yet — next time.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.