noun
central figure; pillar; mainstay
Metaphorical use for a person who is the core support of a group, organization, or nation. Often used in formal or literary contexts.
彼は会社の棟梁として、長年組織を支えてきた。
He has supported the organization for many years as its central figure.
noun
General term for a leader or head of a group, especially in traditional or hierarchical settings. Less common in modern casual speech.
彼は職人の棟梁として、多くの弟子を育てた。
As the master of the craftsmen, he trained many apprentices.
noun
master carpenter
Specifically refers to a highly skilled carpenter who oversees construction projects and leads other carpenters. A traditional title in Japanese architecture.
この寺は有名な棟梁によって建てられた。
This temple was built by a famous master carpenter.
noun
roof beams and ridge supports
Original architectural meaning referring to the structural framework of a roof. Now rare and mostly encountered in historical or technical contexts.
古い文献では、棟梁は屋根の構造材を指すことがある。
In old documents, 棟梁 sometimes refers to the structural timbers of a roof.
Composed of 棟 (ridge of a roof) and 梁 (beam). Originally referred to the main structural elements of a roof, later extended metaphorically to a person who is the central support or leader of a group, and then specialized to mean a master carpenter.