also: じんちゅう
noun
human pillar; ritual human sacrifice
Historical term for the practice of burying a living person under or near a large construction project to invoke divine protection.
昔、橋や城を建てるときに人柱を立てたという伝説がある。
There is a legend that in the past, human pillars were used when building bridges or castles.
noun
person who died for a cause; martyr
Refers to someone who sacrificed their life for a greater purpose, often used in a solemn or respectful context.
彼は自由のために人柱となった。
He became a martyr for freedom.
noun
guinea pig; test subject; sacrificial lamb; early adopter
Colloquial use for someone who tries a new product or service first, often at personal risk. Can be read じんちゅう in this sense.
新サービスの人柱になって、バグを報告した。
I became a guinea pig for the new service and reported bugs.
彼はいつも最新ガジェットの人柱だ。
He's always an early adopter of the latest gadgets.