How to say "pillar" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 柱はしらnounThe literal pillar or post, and by extension a person or thing that supports something, as in the pillar of a family. This is usually the word you want for both concrete and metaphorical pillars.この橋は１０本の柱で支えられている。↗The bridge is supported by 10 posts.
- 棟梁とうりょうnounA figurative pillar meaning the central figure or mainstay of a group, such as a nation or field. It refers to a respected leader on whom others depend, not to a physical structure.
- 旨むねnounCovers the sense of central part or main point, but it really means principle, aim, or main purpose. It is seldom the word you want for a physical or supporting pillar.
- 中枢ちゅうすうnounA figurative pillar in the sense of the centre, pivot, or mainstay of an organization or system. Use it for the core that everything hinges on, never for a physical pillar.
Use 柱 for a physical pillar or post and metaphorically for a supporting person; 棟梁 and 中枢 for leading figures or centres of an organization; 旨 means central point or purpose rather than pillar.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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