The Kanji: 柱 (Chū / Hashira)
The kanji 柱 (read as chū or hashira) primarily means "pillar," "post," or "support." It is composed of the radical 木 (tree/wood) and 主 (master/main), representing the concept of a "main wooden beam" that is central to a structure's support. This meaning extends metaphorically to people or principles that provide essential support.
Common Words & Example Sentences
1. 柱 (hashira)
Meaning: Pillar; post (architectural).
Example Sentence: この家は太い柱で支えられている。
(Kono ie wa futoi hashira de sasaerarete iru.)
"This house is supported by thick pillars."
2. 支柱 (shichū)
Meaning: Prop; support; mainstay.
Example Sentence: 彼は家族の支柱だ。
(Kare wa kazoku no shichū da.)
"He is the pillar of his family."
3. 電柱 (denchū)
Meaning: Utility pole; telephone pole.
Example Sentence: 電柱にカラスが止まっている。
(Denchū ni karasu ga tomatte iru.)
"A crow is perched on the utility pole."
4. 柱 (chū)
Meaning: Used in compound words indicating central support.
Example Sentence: 彼女はチームの大黒柱だ。
(Kanojo wa chīmu no daikokubashira da.)
"She is the mainstay of the team."
In summary, 柱 is a foundational kanji representing both physical supports like architectural pillars (柱) and utility poles (電柱), as well as metaphorical supports such as a family's mainstay (支柱). It embodies the concept of central, reliable support in both concrete and abstract contexts.