1.
pillar; support; prop; post
A physical column or post that supports a structure, plant, or object.
トマトに支柱を立てる。
Set up a support stake for the tomato plant.
支柱が折れて、テントが倒れた。
The support pole broke and the tent collapsed.
強風に耐えられるよう、金属の支柱で補強した。
We reinforced it with metal supports to withstand strong winds.
2.
mainstay; backbone; pillar
A person, thing, or concept that serves as the main support for a group, organization, or system.
彼はチームの支柱だ。
He is the pillar of the team.
農業は地域経済の支柱である。
Agriculture is the mainstay of the local economy.
家族の支柱を失い、彼女は途方に暮れた。
Having lost the pillar of her family, she was at a complete loss.
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
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 柱 — pillar, column; more general, both literal and figurative
- 大黒柱 — main pillar; the primary breadwinner or central support
- 土台 — foundation; the base that supports a structure