人ひと柱ばしら

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.

• 昔むかし、橋はしや城しろを建たてるときに人ひと柱ばしらを立たてたという伝でん説せつがある。

  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.

• 彼かれは自じ由ゆうのために人ひと柱ばしらとなった。

  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.

• 新しんサービスの人ひと柱ばしらになって、バグを報ほう告こくした。

  I became a guinea pig for the new service and reported bugs.

• 彼かれはいつも最さい新しんガジェットの人ひと柱ばしらだ。

  He's always an early adopter of the latest gadgets.