礎石

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The written form is 礎石, read そせき. Elements for foundation and stone combine to denote a literal foundation stone or a figurative cornerstone for later development.
• Basic usage: 寺の礎石 is a physical architectural stone, while 発展の礎石となる is a metaphor for research becoming a basis for technological development.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A surviving foundation stone
  • Foundation stones from an old temple remain in the garden. Example: 古い寺の礎石が庭に残っています。 — The foundation stones of the old temple remain in the garden.
• A figurative basis for progress
  • The research is evaluated as a cornerstone enabling later technological development. Example: この研究は後の技術発展の礎石となりました。 — This research became a cornerstone of later technological development.