Meanings of 支柱
By ear
Play it, then pick what 支柱 means.
About 支柱
Podcast: 支柱
Podcast: 支柱
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 支柱
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.
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).
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.
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.
Pronunciation of 支柱
Drill the tone of 支柱 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 支柱 to You
Let me explain 支柱 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 支柱 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 支柱?
Learning Lab
Knowing 支柱 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component Characters
How to say mainstay in Chinese
“mainstay” in Chinese is支柱
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.
When to use 支柱
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).
支柱 or something close to it
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.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 支柱
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 支柱 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 支柱?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
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.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 支柱?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.