柱
zhù · pillar💡 How to pronounce
zh → like the 'j' in 'joy' with curled tongue. ù → like 'oo' with a falling tone.
📖 The Story
柱 is a pillar — the vertical support that holds up a building. In Chinese architecture, pillars are not just structural — they are decorative, carved with dragons and painted with auspicious designs. A pillar is a symbol of strength and stability.
🎬 In Culture Today
In the Forbidden City, the 'dragon pillars' (龙柱) are carved from single pieces of wood and painted with golden dragons. The phrase '柱石' (zhù shí) means 'pillar and stone' — a metaphor for a person who supports others.
📚 Words
📝 Example Sentences
柱子很高。
The pillar is very tall.
石柱很坚固。
The stone pillar is very solid.