屋 台 骨(やたいぼね)

やたいぼね

noun

framework; backbone; foundation

1. framework; backbone; foundation; mainstay

The fundamental supporting structure of something, used figuratively for the core support of a family, organization, or system. Originally refers to the wooden frame of a festival float or stall.

彼(かれ)は家(いえ)の屋台骨(やたいぼね)だ。

He is the backbone of the family.

会社(かいしゃ)の屋台骨(やたいぼね)を支(ささ)えているのはベテラン社員(しゃいん)たちだ。

It is the veteran employees who support the backbone of the company.

不況(ふきょう)で国(くに)の屋台骨(やたいぼね)が揺(ゆ)らいでいる。

The recession is shaking the very foundations of the country.

Originally refers to the wooden frame (骨(ほね) = bone, frame) of an 屋台(やたい) (festival float or portable stall). Since this frame is what holds the entire structure together, the word came to mean the fundamental support of any organization or system.

Common collocations

屋台骨(やたいぼね)を支(ささ)える: to support the backbone/foundation
屋台骨(やたいぼね)が揺(ゆ)らぐ: the foundation wavers
屋台骨(やたいぼね)が傾(かたむ)く: the foundation tilts (i.e., is in trouble)
家(いえ)の屋台骨(やたいぼね): the pillar of the family

Similar words

大黒柱(だいこくばしら): main pillar, breadwinner — similar metaphor but specifically for the central pillar of a house
基盤(きばん): foundation, base — more abstract and formal
礎(いしずえ): cornerstone, foundation — more literary

Related Words

Compare: 大黒柱(だいこくばしら) (main pillar, breadwinner)

Compare: 基盤(きばん) (foundation, base)

Compare: 礎(いしずえ) (cornerstone, foundation)

general

Added 2026.3.29 22:05 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

20000/20425_yataibone