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March 24, 2026
支柱zhīzhù(zhi1zhu4)
支柱 (zhī zhù) refers to a main support or pillar that provides stability or strength, both literally and metaphorically. In various contexts, it can denote a person, idea, or structure that is essential for maintaining balance or support in a situation, such as a family or organization.
Frequency#11143DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of a '支柱' often relates to familial roles, where parents or guardians are seen as the main pillars supporting the family unit, highlighting the importance of family structure and responsibilities.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strong pillar (支) holding up a roof (柱), keeping everything safe and secure. The '支' looks like a hand reaching out to support, while '柱' resembles a tall, sturdy column. Both work together to signify strength and support, making 'zhī zhù' easy to remember.
Meanings of 支柱
zhīzhù(zhi1zhu4)
1mainstay
2pillar
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 支柱
支柱Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#11143Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 支柱
Podcast: 支柱
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AI Study Notes for 支柱
Quick Contrast
支撑 (zhī chēng) - use 支柱 when referring to a main support or pillar, while 支撑 implies a broader sense of support that can include temporary or less stable means.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a strong pillar (支) holding up a roof (柱), keeping everything safe and secure. The '支' looks like a hand reaching out to support, while '柱' resembles a tall, sturdy column. Both work together to signify strength and support, making 'zhī zhù' easy to remember.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 支柱 with similar terms like 支援 (support) or 支持 (to support). It is used primarily in more formal contexts, such as discussions about organizations or philosophies. Common collocations include '经济支柱' (economic mainstay) and '家庭支柱' (family pillar).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 支柱 can be linked to other words related to support and stability, like 依靠 (to rely on) or 保障 (guarantee). Focus on using it in sentences that describe relationships or systems that rely on strong foundations.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of a '支柱' often relates to familial roles, where parents or guardians are seen as the main pillars supporting the family unit, highlighting the importance of family structure and responsibilities.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 支柱 when describing less critical supports, such as a casual friend or minor help. For example, saying '我的朋友是我的支柱' (My friend is my pillar) might be too strong unless the context truly merits it. Use it for more significant supports.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 支柱
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Grammar Patterns of 支柱
支柱 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他仍然是维系该国脆弱的政治平衡的____。
He remains the anchor of the country's fragile political balance.
Example Sentences for 支柱 (4)
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1
他仍然是维系该国脆弱的政治平衡的支柱。
tā réng rán shì wéi xì gāi guó cuì ruò de zhèng zhì píng héng de zhī zhù。
He remains the anchor of the country's fragile political balance.
2
他不久就会成为英格兰队的支柱。
tā bù jiǔ jiù huì chéng wéi yīng gé lán duì de zhī zhù。
He will shortly become the fulcrum of the England team.
Rescuers used props to stop the roof of the tunnel collapsing.
Cultural Notes for 支柱
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of a '支柱' often relates to familial roles, where parents or guardians are seen as the main pillars supporting the family unit, highlighting the importance of family structure and responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions about 支柱
Yes, it can describe intangible supports, such as a person who is a mainstay in a group or organization.
Generally, it has a positive connotation, but it can also imply that someone or something is overly dependent on that support.
Yes, synonyms include 支持 (to support) and 依靠 (to rely on), but 支柱 emphasizes the role of being a main support.
