The Chinese word **支柱 (zhīzhù)** is a compound term formed by combining two characters, each contributing to its overall meaning: **支 (zhī)**, which means "to support" or "to prop up," and **柱 (zhù)**, which means "pillar" or "column." Together, they create a metaphorical noun that literally means "supporting pillar," but is used figuratively to describe a crucial, foundational element that upholds or sustains something larger, such as an **economic pillar (经济支柱)** or a **pillar of the family (家庭的支柱)**. This formation follows a common pattern in Chinese where two related characters combine to produce a new, often more abstract, concept.