HSK · Level 98
45 words
Chinese word
栋梁
Pronunciation
Pinyindòng liáng
Meaning
- nounpillar
Example
他是国家的栋梁。tā shì guó jiā de dòng liáng
He is a pillar of the nation.
More examples
年轻人要努力成为社会的栋梁。nián qīng rén yào nǔ lì chéng wéi shè huì de dòng liáng
Young people must work hard to become pillars of society.
Core concept
The central support that keeps a whole structure standing, whether the structure is a building or a community.
Common phrases
社会的栋梁shè huì de dòng liáng
pillar of society
青年栋梁qīng nián dòng liáng
pillar of the younger generation
Similar words
支柱zhī zhù: A person or part that provides essential support for an organization or country.
骨干gǔ gàn: A key member who works at the center of an organization.
主心骨zhǔ xīn gǔ: The person at the heart of a group who maintains its unity and spirit.
Definition in Chinese
指国家、集体等的重要支柱性人物或能担负重任的人。zhǐ guó jiā jí tǐ děng de zhòng yào zhī zhù xìng rén wù huò néng dān fù zhòng rèn de rén
Word origin
栋 (dòng, "ridgepole") + 梁 (liáng, "beam") refers to essential building timbers, creating a metaphor for people able to carry major responsibility.
Usage tips
- English speakers may hear a strong compliment but miss the word's focus on capability and responsibility, not just popularity or high status.
Other meanings
- cornerstonenoun
- key figurenoun
- talentnoun
Opposites
- 累赘léi zhuìburdennoun