柱(はしら)

はしら

noun

pillar

1. pillar, column, post

A vertical structural support in a building. In traditional Japanese architecture, wooden pillars are essential elements.

この家(いえ)は太(ふと)い柱(はしら)で支(ささ)えられています。

This house is supported by thick pillars.

柱(はしら)に身長(しんちょう)を記録(きろく)しました。

I marked my height on the pillar.

古(ふる)い神社(じんじゃ)の柱(はしら)は立派(りっぱ)で歴史(れきし)を感(かん)じます。

The pillars of the old shrine are impressive and you can feel the history.

2. mainstay, pillar (figurative)

A person or thing that provides essential support.

彼(かれ)はチームの大黒柱(だいこくばしら)です。

He is the mainstay of the team.

母(はは)は家族(かぞく)の柱(はしら)として、いつもみんなを支(ささ)えてくれている。

As the pillar of the family, my mother always supports everyone.

このプロジェクトの三(みっ)つの柱(はしら)は、品質(ひんしつ)と速(はや)さと安全(あんぜん)です。

The three pillars of this project are quality, speed, and safety.

柱(はしら) refers to pillars and columns.

Types in traditional architecture:

大黒柱(だいこくばしら) (main pillar, also "mainstay")
床柱(とこばしら) (alcove pillar in tokonoma)
通(とお)し柱(はしら) (continuous pillar through floors)

Cultural significance:

In traditional homes, 大黒柱(だいこくばしら) is central and sacred
Children's height often marked on pillars as family memory
Fine wood species used for visible pillars

Figurative expressions:

大黒柱(だいこくばしら) (main pillar/breadwinner of family)
柱(はしら)となる (to become a pillar/mainstay)
四本柱(しほんばしら) (four pillars - sumo ring)

Counter for pillars: 本(ほん)
Counter for gods/spirits: 柱(はしら) (archaic/literary)

general

Added 2026.1.14 22:31 · Revised 2026.6.4 4:09

05000/05009_hashira