‘司礼’ literally means ‘to manage rites’ — ‘司’ (sī) means ‘to be in charge of, to administer’, and ‘礼’ (lǐ) means ‘ritual, ceremony, or formal etiquette’. Together, the compound functions as a verb meaning ‘to officiate at or preside over formal ceremonies’, especially traditional or ceremonial events such as weddings, ancestral rites, state functions, or religious observances. It conveys a sense of solemn responsibility and ritual authority.

This term is formal and somewhat literary, commonly found in historical contexts, official announcements, or descriptions of ceremonial roles. It’s rarely used in casual daily speech but appears frequently in classical texts, news reports about national ceremonies, and cultural documentaries. The subject is usually a person with recognized status or training — for example, a master of ceremonies, a senior family elder, or an appointed ritual officer.