Japanese word

柱

Pronunciation

Romajihashira

Meaning

  • nounpillar

Example

柱が家を支えています。hashira ga ie o sasa e te i ma su

The pillar supports the house.

Illustration for 柱 (pillar)

More examples

古い家の柱に、身長の印が残っています。furu i ie no hashira ni shin chō no shirushi ga noko tte i ma su

The old house still has height marks on one of its pillars.

Core concept

It is a strong upright element that bears weight and may stand for the main support of something larger.

Common phrases

  • 柱を立てるhashira o ta te ru

    erect a pillar

  • 柱に寄りかかるhashira ni yo ri ka ka ru

    lean against a pillar

Similar words

支柱shichū: A pillar whose main function is to hold up a building, structure, or object.

Definition in Japanese

屋根や上階を支えるために立てられた太く長い部材。ya ne ya jō kai o sasa e ru ta me ni ta te ra re ta futo ku naga i bu zai

Word origin

はしら (hashira, "pillar") is a native Japanese word, while 柱 (chū, "pillar") is the Chinese character used to write it; the word's original formation is not certain.

Usage tips

  • In Demon Slayer, the Hashira are elite swordsmen whose title uses 柱 (hashira) metaphorically for a central support.

Other meanings

  • postnoun

Word lists with this word