Translation guide
The most important part or support of something, often a person or thing that provides stability and continuity.
Describing the most important or reliable part of a system, group, or activity that everything else depends on.
Referring to something that is a staple or primary source of sustenance, often food or economic activity.
Specifically means 'staple food'. Use this when talking about the main food that people eat regularly.
Literally 'central pillar', this is the most common and natural way to refer to a person who is the main support of a family, organization, or group. It carries a strong sense of reliability and indispensability.
彼は家族の大黒柱だ。
He is the mainstay of his family.
彼女は会社の大黒柱としてみんなから頼りにされている。
She is relied upon by everyone as the mainstay of the company.
Refers to the main force or leading element in a group, team, or industry. Often used for the most productive or powerful part, such as a key player or core product.
この製品が当社の主力商品です。
This product is our mainstay product.
彼はチームの主力選手だ。
He is the mainstay player of the team.
Means 'center' or 'core'. It can be used to describe the central part or most important element of something, though it is less personified than 大黒柱.
彼はプロジェクトの中心メンバーだ。
He is a central member of the project.
Literally 'framework of a stall', this metaphorically means the backbone or main support of an organization or business. It is somewhat old-fashioned and often used in economic or business contexts.
中小企業が日本経済の屋台骨を支えている。
Small and medium-sized enterprises are the mainstay of the Japanese economy.
米は日本人の主食です。
Rice is the mainstay of the Japanese diet.
Means 'foundation' or 'base'. It can be used for the economic or social foundation that supports a community or livelihood.
農業はこの地域の経済の基盤だ。
Agriculture is the mainstay of the local economy.