Chinese word

支柱

Pronunciation

Pinyinzhī zhù

Meaning

  • nounsupport

Example

朋友是我最大的支柱。péng yǒu shì wǒ zuì dà de zhī zhù

My friends are my greatest support.

Illustration for 支柱 (support)

More examples

农业是这个地区的经济支柱。nóng yè shì zhè ge dì qū de jīng jì zhī zhù

Agriculture is the economic pillar of this region.

Core concept

A load-bearing source of strength that keeps a person or situation steady.

Common phrases

  • 经济支柱jīng jì zhī zhù

    economic pillar

  • 精神支柱jīng shén zhī zhù

    spiritual support

  • 家庭支柱jiā tíng zhī zhù

    family support

Similar words

后盾hòu dùn: Support from a person or organization that stands behind and helps someone.
骨干gǔ gàn: An important member who serves as the backbone of a group or organization.
靠山kào shān: A strong and influential backer that someone can rely on.

Definition in Chinese

在困难或动荡时被依靠的人或力量，提供精神或实际上的支持。zài kùn nán huò dòng dàng shí bèi yī kào de rén huò lì liàng tí gōng jīng shén huò shí jì shàng de zhī chí

Word origin

支柱 (zhīzhù, "supporting pillar") combines 支 (zhī, "support") + 柱 (zhù, "pillar"), extending a physical structure's support role to a person or force that holds others up.

Usage tips

  • Applied to a person, this word carries a strong sense of reliance, so it fits close relationships and real hardship better than casual compliments.

Other meanings

  • pillarnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 支柱产业zhī zhù chǎn yèpillar industrynoun
  • 支柱企业zhī zhù qǐ yècore enterprisenoun

Word lists with this word