pillar

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 柱 has 9 strokes and refers to a pillar supporting a building or other structure.
• Basic usage: 柱 is read はしら, and 大黒柱 is read だいこくばしら.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Counting pillars
  • 二本の柱 means two pillars. The elongated pillars are counted with 本.
• A central pillar and a mainstay
  • 大黒柱 means a house's central pillar and can also refer to the person who supports a family or organization.