Keywords: zhizhù, 支柱, Chinese pillar, mainstay, backbone, support, pillar of the community, economic pillar, emotional support, Chinese vocabulary, learn Chinese
Summary: Learn the meaning of zhīzhù (支柱), a fundamental Chinese word for “pillar” or “mainstay.” This page explores how zhīzhù is used both literally for architectural supports and, more importantly, as a powerful metaphor for the “backbone” of a family, the “pillar” of an economy, or the person who provides crucial emotional support. Understand its cultural significance and see how this HSK 6 term is used in modern China with 10 practical example sentences.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): zhīzhù
Part of Speech: Noun
HSK Level: HSK 6
Concise Definition: A pillar; something or someone that provides crucial, foundational support.
In a Nutshell: Imagine a massive column holding up the roof of a temple; that's a 支柱. But the real power of this word is in its metaphorical use. It describes the person, institution, or even idea that everything else depends on. It could be the parent who works two jobs to support the family, the tech industry that drives a country's economy, or the belief system that gets someone through hard times. The word carries a feeling of immense strength, reliability, and indispensability.
Character Breakdown
支 (zhī): This character means “to support” or “to prop up.” You can think of it as a hand (又) holding up a branch (十), symbolizing support.
柱 (zhù): This character means “pillar” or “post.” The left part is the wood radical 木 (mù), as ancient pillars were made of wood. The right part 主 (zhǔ) means “master” or “main,” hinting at the pillar's primary role in a structure.
Together, 支 (support) + 柱 (pillar) = 支柱, a “supporting pillar.” The meaning is very direct and powerful, combining the action of supporting with the object that supports.
Cultural Context and Significance
In Chinese culture, the concept of the 支柱 is deeply connected to family and societal structure, often reflecting Confucian values of responsibility and defined roles. The “family pillar” (家庭的支柱, jiātíng de zhīzhù) is a classic example. Traditionally, this was the father or eldest son, whose duty was to provide financial stability and be the family's bedrock. While modern families are more diverse, the idea of a central figure who shoulders the primary responsibility remains a powerful cultural concept.
Comparison to a Western Concept: In English, we might use “breadwinner” or “the rock of the family.” However, 支柱 feels more structural and absolute. A “breadwinner” focuses specifically on earning money. A “rock” is about emotional stability. 支柱 encompasses both and more; it implies that if the 支柱 were removed, the entire structure (the family, the company, etc.) would be in danger of collapse. It's a term of immense respect but also immense pressure for the person it describes.
Practical Usage in Modern China
In a Family Context: Most commonly used to describe a parent or family member who is the main financial and/or emotional support. For example, “他是我们家的支柱” (He is the pillar of our family).
In an Economic or Political Context: This is extremely common in news and formal discussions. Commentators will talk about “pillar industries” (支柱产业, zhīzhù chǎnyè) that form the foundation of the national or local economy.
In a Team or Organization: A key employee, a star player, or a founding member can be called the 支柱. They are the one the group relies on to succeed.
As Emotional or Spiritual Support: The term “精神支柱” (jīngshén zhīzhù), or “spiritual/emotional pillar,” is very widely used to describe a person, a belief, or a goal that provides someone with the mental strength to persevere.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
父亲是我们家的支柱。
Pinyin: Fùqīn shì wǒmen jiā de zhīzhù.
English: My father is the pillar of our family.
Analysis: A classic and very common example. This implies he is the main source of financial and emotional stability.
Example 2:
母亲是整个家庭的精神支柱。
Pinyin: Mǔqīn shì zhěnggè jiātíng de jīngshén zhīzhù.
English: My mother is the entire family's emotional pillar.
Analysis: This highlights the “spiritual/emotional” aspect. While the father might be the financial pillar, the mother provides the mental strength and cohesion for the family.
Example 3:
科技产业是这个国家的经济支柱。
Pinyin: Kējì chǎnyè shì zhège guójiā de jīngjì zhīzhù.
English: The technology industry is this country's economic pillar.
Analysis: This is formal, economic language you would hear in a news report or read in an article. It designates the industry as fundamentally important to the nation's economy.
Example 4:
他是我们球队的支柱，没有他我们赢不了。
Pinyin: Tā shì wǒmen qiúduì de zhīzhù, méiyǒu tā wǒmen yíng bùliǎo.
English: He is the mainstay of our team; without him, we can't win.
Analysis: Used in sports to describe an MVP or indispensable player. Their presence is what holds the team up.
Example 5:
这些巨大的石支柱已经屹立了数百年。
Pinyin: Zhèxiē jùdà de shí zhīzhù yǐjīng yìlìle shù bǎi nián.
English: These giant stone pillars have stood for hundreds of years.
Analysis: This is a rare, literal usage of the word, referring to actual architectural pillars. Note the use of “stone” (石) to specify the material.
Example 6:
失去了家庭支柱后，他们的生活变得非常困难。
Pinyin: Shīqùle jiātíng zhīzhù hòu, tāmen de shēnghuó biàn dé fēicháng kùnnán.
English: After losing the family's pillar, their lives became very difficult.
Analysis: This sentence shows the consequence of a 支柱 disappearing, reinforcing its foundational importance.
Example 7:
她的信念是支撑她度过难关的唯一支柱。
Pinyin: Tā de xìnniàn shì zhīchēng tā dùguò nánguān de wéiyī zhīzhù.
English: Her faith was the only pillar that supported her through the difficult times.
Analysis: An abstract use of the word. Here, an intangible concept (faith) acts as the person's core support.
Example 8:
公司里的老员工是我们的技术支柱。
Pinyin: Gōngsī lǐ de lǎo yuángōng shì wǒmen de jìshù zhīzhù.
English: The veteran employees in the company are our technical pillar.
Analysis: This specifies the type of support. They are not necessarily the leaders, but they are the foundation of the company's technical knowledge.
Correct: 你是我的 支柱。 (Nǐ shì wǒ de zhīzhù.) → You are my pillar.
Think of it this way: a 支柱 (pillar) gives 支持 (support).
A “Heavy” Word:支柱 is not a casual term. You wouldn't call a friend who helps you with homework a 支柱. The term implies a significant, long-term, and foundational level of support. Using it for a minor act of help would sound overly dramatic.
Related Terms and Concepts
支持 (zhīchí) - To support (v.); support (n.). The action that a 支柱 provides.
顶梁柱 (dǐngliángzhù) - A more vivid synonym, literally “the pillar holding up the main beam.” Often used for the single most important person in a family or organization.
骨干 (gǔgàn) - Backbone; key member. This refers to the core, operational members of a group. A team has many 骨干, but may only have one 支柱.
核心 (héxīn) - Core; nucleus. Refers to the absolute center or most important part of anything. A 支柱 is often part of the 核心.
后盾 (hòudùn) - Literally “back shield.” This refers to the backup or support system you have behind you that you can fall back on. A 支柱 is the support under you, holding you up.
依靠 (yīkào) - To rely on (v.); a person/thing to rely on (n.). This describes the relationship from the perspective of the one being supported. You 依靠 a 支柱.
栋梁 (dòngliáng) - Literally “ridgepole and beam.” A very formal term for a “pillar of the state,” a person of great talent destined to shoulder major responsibilities for the country. Much grander than 支柱.