'主持' is a verb meaning 'to preside over' or 'to host'—typically referring to guiding or managing an organized event, meeting, ceremony, or program. The character 主 (zhǔ) means 'main', 'principal', or 'to be in charge', while 持 (chí) means 'to hold', 'to maintain', or 'to sustain'. Together, they convey the idea of actively holding responsibility for the smooth running and direction of an activity. It implies authority, control, and active involvement—not just passive presence.

This word is commonly used in formal or semi-formal contexts: hosting TV shows, chairing meetings, officiating weddings or conferences, or leading classroom discussions. It's rarely used for casual gatherings. While often associated with public speaking, it emphasizes leadership and procedural management more than performance. It can be transitive (e.g., 主持会议) or intransitive (e.g., 他今天主持), and frequently appears in written Chinese and formal spoken contexts like news reports or official announcements.