柱(Hashira)

The Hashira(柱) are the most strongest swordsmen in the Demon Slayer Corps.
They are so strong that very few can be given this title.

In this article, I will explain this Hashira(柱) from the perspective of the Japanese language.

First meaning

Demon Slayer Season 1 Episode 22
Master of the Mansion (お館様)

Hashira(柱) is the English word for Pillar.
They are the ones who literally sustain the Demon Slayer Corps with their outstanding power.

Second meaning

Demon Slayer Season 1 Episode 23
Hashira Meeting (柱合会議)

Hashira(柱) is a counter words used to count the number of gods.

In Japanese, you must always have the counter words that matches what you are counting.
For example, to count books, we use 冊(satsu) and for Japanese swords, we use 振(furi).

The use of the canter words “柱” which is used to count the gods, indicates that the person has the ability to excel like a god.

Supplement

Demon Slayer Season 1 Episode 23
Hashira Meeting (柱合会議)

“柱” is pronounced “Hashira“, but the “柱合会議” is pronounced “Chu Gou Kaigi”.
This is the on-yomi reading (音読み) of kanji in Japanese.

When combining kanji characters to make kanji compound(熟語), as in “柱合”(Chugou) we tend to use the on-yomi reading (音読み) reading.
(Not all. In some cases, we use kun-yomi(訓読み) to change the sound of a word.)

The kanji characters themselves have meanings, and these meanings can be combined to create kanji compound.

“柱合” does not exist in general, but when Japanese people watch this anime and recognize this kanji, they understand it as a natural kanji compound.

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