楹 (yíng) - Pillar — refers to the main supporting columns & also used metaphorically for important supporting elements.

楹Tone 2

yíng ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

樱咏

楹 · yíng

Pillar — refers to the main supporting columns in traditional Chinese architecture;

also used metaphorically for important supporting elements.

Pillar — refers to the main supporting columnsalso used metaphorically for important supporting elements.

Usage highlights

Door pillarsHall pillarsPillar coupletsMain pillarsPillar basePillar and beam

Synonyms

  • 柱— pillar, column
  • 梁— beam, crosspiece

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The temple's main pillars (楹柱) were made of solid wood.
  • He wrote a couplet for the door pillars (门楹).
  • The hall was supported by massive pillars (楹梁).
  • These principles are the pillars (支柱) of our philosophy.

Collocations

  • Door pillars(门楹)
  • Hall pillars(堂楹)
  • Pillar couplets(楹联)
  • Main pillars(主楹)
  • Pillar base(楹础)
  • Pillar and beam(楹梁)

Idioms

  • Couplets on the pillars(楹联)
  • Pillars and beams(栋楹)
  • Carved beams and painted pillars(雕梁画栋)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese architecture, pillars (楹) were essential structural elements supporting the roof.
  • Pillars often bore inscribed couplets (楹联) expressing philosophical thoughts or auspicious wishes.
  • The term is used metaphorically to describe foundational or supporting elements in various contexts.

FAQ