Meaning
The main person providing for the family.
Cultural Background
The 'Anak Sulung' (eldest child) is culturally expected to become the tulang punggung if the parents cannot work. This is seen as a noble duty. The term 'Soko Guru' is a Javanese equivalent often used in formal Indonesian to describe a 'tulang punggung' of an organization or belief system. The 'Generasi Sandwich' is a popular term for people who are the 'tulang punggung' for both their parents and their children simultaneously. In this matrilineal society, the 'Mamak' (maternal uncle) often acts as a 'tulang punggung' for his sister's children, though this is changing in modern times.
Use it to show respect
When you call someone a 'tulang punggung,' you are acknowledging their hard work and sacrifice.
Don't over-pluralize
Even if two people support the family, we usually say 'Mereka adalah tulang punggung,' not 'tulang-tulang punggung'.
Meaning
The main person providing for the family.
Use it to show respect
When you call someone a 'tulang punggung,' you are acknowledging their hard work and sacrifice.
Don't over-pluralize
Even if two people support the family, we usually say 'Mereka adalah tulang punggung,' not 'tulang-tulang punggung'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
Sejak ayah berhenti bekerja, kakak laki-laki saya menjadi ___ keluarga.
Tulang punggung is the idiom for breadwinner. Tulang rusuk means 'rib' (often used for 'soulmate').
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Pilih kalimat yang benar:
Sentence B uses the idiom figuratively to describe the importance of farmers to the economy.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kenapa kamu bekerja lembur setiap hari? B: Karena saya adalah ___.
Working overtime is a common trait of a 'tulang punggung'. 'Kepala batu' means stubborn, and 'tangan kanan' means right-hand man.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesSejak ayah berhenti bekerja, kakak laki-laki saya menjadi ___ keluarga.
Tulang punggung is the idiom for breadwinner. Tulang rusuk means 'rib' (often used for 'soulmate').
Pilih kalimat yang benar:
Sentence B uses the idiom figuratively to describe the importance of farmers to the economy.
A: Kenapa kamu bekerja lembur setiap hari? B: Karena saya adalah ___.
Working overtime is a common trait of a 'tulang punggung'. 'Kepala batu' means stubborn, and 'tangan kanan' means right-hand man.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsAbsolutely. In many modern Indonesian families, the mother or eldest daughter is the 'tulang punggung'.
It's not rude, but it's a personal question. It's better to ask 'Apa kesibukanmu?' first.
Mostly yes, but it can be used for the economy or a very important person in a company.
Related Phrases
Banting tulang
similarTo work very hard (literally: to hit the bones).
Pencari nafkah
synonymBreadwinner.
Tangan kanan
similarRight-hand man / trusted assistant.
Kepala keluarga
relatedHead of the family.
