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做东(zuòdōng) Act as a Host
Where does it originate from?
In ancient China, most houses are oriented north and south. There is a drawing room in the middle with two seats placed to the east and to the west. The host usually seats the guest at the western seat before taking the other seat to the east. Also, it is often customary for the guest to walk on the west side of the road and the host to walk along side the guests on the eastern side of the road. Thus, the host has become known as the 东道主(dōngdàozhǔ), or 东(dōng) for short. Naturally, 做主人(zuò zhǔrén), or "to be a host" becomes 做东(zuòdōng).
What does it mean?
The phrase 做东(zuòdōng) is widely used to describe that someone is acting as a host, but it literally means "to be the east." 做(zuò) means'to do'or "to act as;" 东 means "the cardinal direction east," but in the phrase 做东(zuòdōng), it means host. Usually, the phrase 做东(zuòdōng) is used when one invites others or treats them to dinner.
How to use it?
Examples:
Jīn tiān wǒ zuò dōng, míngtiān lún dào nǐ le!
今 天 我 做 东，明 天 轮 到 你 了！
Today, I'll invite you to dinner and tomorrow it'll be your turn!
Jīnwǎn wǒ zuòdōng, dàjiā wán gè jìnxìng.
今晚我做东，大家玩个尽兴。
It is my treat tonight, please enjoy yourselves.
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