‘司仪’ (sī yí) literally means ‘to manage ceremony’ — ‘司’ (sī) means ‘to be in charge of’ or ‘to manage’, and ‘仪’ (yí) means ‘ceremony’, ‘ritual’, or ‘formal procedure’. Together, the term refers to a person who hosts, guides, and manages formal events such as weddings, award ceremonies, conferences, or school graduations. A 司仪 ensures smooth transitions between segments, introduces speakers, engages the audience, and maintains the event’s tone and pace.

This role is highly valued in Chinese-speaking cultures for its blend of eloquence, cultural awareness, and interpersonal skill. While modern usage often overlaps with ‘host’ (主持人 zhǔchí rén), 司仪 carries stronger connotations of traditional ritual leadership and formal etiquette, especially in wedding contexts. It is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, particularly when emphasizing dignity, decorum, or ceremonial function.