zung1 lau4 dai2 cyu5中流砥柱
Jyutpingzung1 lau4 dai2 cyu5
Yalejūng làuh dái chyúh
Definition
A mainstay or cornerstone; a person who supports a group or organisation.
neutralpeoplework
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong sense of reliability and stability, often used to praise someone who holds a group together during difficult times. It is almost exclusively applied to people who act as pillars of support, rather than to inanimate objects or abstract concepts. While it sounds slightly formal, it is frequently used in professional or organizational contexts to highlight an individual's indispensable value.
Examples
He is the mainstay of the company, what will we do without him?
This veteran has always been the cornerstone of the team.
Related words
Common phrases
the mainstay of the team
Common mistake
Learners sometimes mistakenly use this to describe a physical object or a literal pillar, but it is idiomatic and specifically reserved for people or metaphorical roles within a group.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
