Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large, solid, and sturdy column: A primary structural support, often made of strong materials like stone or concrete, used to bear heavy weight in a building or construction.
   • A mainstay; a central pillar: A person, thing, or principle that provides essential support and stability to a system, organization, or group.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Các cột trụ bằng bê tông của cây cầu rất vững chắc. (The concrete pillars of the bridge are very sturdy.)
  • Ông ấy là cột trụ của cả gia đình. (He is the pillar of the entire family.)
  • Tinh thần đoàn kết là cột trụ cho sự phát triển của quốc gia. (The spirit of unity is the mainstay for the nation's development.)

Advanced Usage

• "cột trụ tinh thần": spiritual pillar; a central source of moral or emotional support.

  • Người thầy ấy là cột trụ tinh thần của nhiều thế hệ học trò. (That teacher is the spiritual pillar for many generations of students.)

• "cột trụ của nền kinh tế": pillar of the economy; a key sector or industry that supports the economic system.

  • Nông nghiệp từng là cột trụ của nền kinh tế nước này. (Agriculture was once the pillar of this country's economy.)

Variants and Related Words

• Trụ cột (noun): This is a synonym with the same meaning and usage as "cột trụ". It can be used interchangeably in most contexts.

  • Anh ấy là trụ cột trong đội bóng. (He is the mainstay in the football team.)

• Cột (noun): A column or post. This is the base word, referring more generally to any column, not necessarily the primary support.

• Trụ (noun): A pillar or pier. This is the other base word, also referring to a supporting structure.

Synonyms

• Pillar: A tall vertical structure used as a support.
• Mainstay: A person or thing on which something else is based or depends.
• Cornerstone: An important quality or feature on which a particular thing depends or is based.
• Support: A thing that bears the weight of something or keeps it upright.

Related Phrases

• Cột trụ gia đình: This is a common compound phrase meaning "breadwinner" or "family pillar". It specifically refers to the person who provides the primary financial and emotional support for a family.
  • Sau khi bố mất, anh trai tôi trở thành cột trụ gia đình. (After our father passed away, my older brother became the family breadwinner.)

Related Idioms

• "Một cây làm chẳng nên non, ba cây chụm lại nên hòn núi cao": This Vietnamese proverb emphasizes collective strength. While not containing "cột trụ", it relates to the concept of multiple supports (like pillars) creating great stability and achievement. It translates to "One tree does not make a forest; three trees together form a high mountain."

1. Main pilar, chief stay
   • cột trụ gia đình
     Bread winner