1.
pillar; support; prop; post
A physical column or post that supports a structure, plant, or object.
2.
mainstay; backbone; pillar
A person, thing, or concept that serves as the main support for a group, organization, or system.
A compound of 支 (to support) and 柱 (pillar). Used both for literal structural supports and figuratively for people or things that hold something up.
Usage
In the physical sense, commonly used for garden stakes, tent poles, and structural supports. In the figurative sense, describes indispensable people or elements — the "backbone" of a family, organization, or economy.
Common collocations
- 支柱を立てる — to set up a support/stake
- 支柱を失う — to lose one's pillar/mainstay
- 経済の支柱 — economic mainstay
- 精神的支柱 — emotional/spiritual pillar