Definition

Noun: 1. Pillars; Mainstays; Cornerstones: Refers to the fundamental and essential supporting elements of a structure, system, or organization. This meaning originates from the literal architectural components of a traditional wooden house (rường: beams; cột: columns). 2. Key Figures; Backbone: Refers to individuals or groups who are considered the primary, indispensable support and driving force within a society, community, or institution.

Usage Examples

• Literal/Figurative for Structure:
  • Những rường cột bằng gỗ lim tạo nên bộ khung vững chãi cho ngôi nhà. (The ironwood pillars and beams form a solid frame for the house.)
  • Giáo dục và y tế là hai rường cột của một xã hội phát triển. (Education and healthcare are two pillars of a developed society.)
• Figurative for People:
  • Các giáo sư đầu ngành là rường cột của trường đại học. (The leading professors are the pillars of the university.)
  • Họ được coi là rường cột của nền kinh tế quốc gia. (They are considered the mainstays of the national economy.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is almost exclusively used in formal, literary, or journalistic contexts to emphasize importance, stability, and foundational strength.
• It often carries a positive connotation of reliability and essentiality.

Variants and Related Words

• Trụ cột (n): A very close synonym, also meaning "pillar" or "mainstay." It can sometimes be used more frequently in modern contexts. (e.g., - He is the pillar of the family.)

Synonyms

• Pillar: A tall vertical structure used for support; a person or thing regarded as reliably providing essential support.
• Mainstay: A chief support; something on which something else is based or depends.
• Cornerstone: An important quality or feature on which a particular thing depends or is based.
• Backbone: The most important support of a system or organization.

Related Idioms

• Rường cột của quốc gia: Pillars of the nation/state. This is a very common collocation referring to the most vital institutions or individuals for a country's stability and prosperity.
  • Quân đội thường được nhắc đến như một rường cột của quốc gia. (The military is often mentioned as a pillar of the nation.)

noun

1. supports and columns
2. (hình ảnh) keystone