zyu2 lai5主禮主礼
Jyutpingzyu2 lai5
Yalejyú láih
Definition
The host or officiant of a ceremony.
neutralpeoplework
How it's used
Refers specifically to the person of highest status who presides over a formal event or ceremony. It functions as both a verb meaning to officiate and a noun referring to the official host. It carries a formal tone and is typically reserved for official functions like school graduations, ribbon cuttings, or award ceremonies.
Examples
The principal will host the opening ceremony this time.
Do you know who is responsible for officiating the ceremony?
Related words
Common phrases
officiating guest
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the general term 主持, which refers to a host or moderator of a show or discussion. 主禮 implies a higher level of ceremonial authority and is not used for casual events.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
