古株

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 古株 is read ふるかぶ and can mean an old stump or a person who has long belonged to an organization.
• Basic usage: Context distinguishes an old stump in a garden from a longtime employee.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Meaning in context
  • 職場の古株 is someone who has been at that workplace for a long time.
  • In 古株から新芽が出る, new shoots grow from an old stump.
• Age and length of service
  • When referring to a person, 古株 emphasizes time spent there, not necessarily being the oldest person.