主しゅ柱ちゅう

noun

central pillar; main pillar

Literal architectural term for the main supporting pillar of a building. Compare 大黒柱, which often carries a stronger traditional or symbolic nuance.

See also: 大黒柱

• この寺じ院いんの主しゅ柱ちゅうは樹じゅ齢れい千せん年ねんのヒノキでできている。

  The central pillar of this temple is made from a thousand-year-old cypress.

noun

principal post; backbone; key figure

Figurative use for a person or thing that serves as the central support of an organization, community, or project. Similar to 大黒柱 in figurative contexts, but 主柱 can sound slightly more formal or structural.

See also: 大黒柱

• 彼かれは地ち域いきのボランティア活かつ動どうの主しゅ柱ちゅうとして頼たよりにされている。

  He is relied upon as the backbone of local volunteer activities.