Meaning and Usage
"脊梁" literally means the spine or backbone, referring to the central bone structure supporting the human body. Beyond the literal meaning, it is often used metaphorically to describe a person or group that plays a crucial, supportive role in an organization, community, or country.
Common Collocations
- 脊梁骨 (jǐliáng gǔ): spine or backbone bone, used in anatomy.
- 国家脊梁 (guójiā jǐliáng): backbone of the country, referring to key people or institutions.
- 社会脊梁 (shèhuì jǐliáng): backbone of society, emphasizing essential contributors.
Usage Notes
When used metaphorically, 脊梁 emphasizes strength, responsibility, and indispensability. It often appears in formal or literary contexts praising someone's role or character. Avoid confusing it with just any backbone-related term; 脊梁 carries a strong connotation of central support and reliability.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 脊梁 with 脊柱 (jǐzhù), which is a more technical term for the spine in anatomy. 脊梁 is more poetic and metaphorical in many contexts.