拠り所

• Reading: よりどころ
• Romaji: yoridokoro
• Kanji breakdown: 拠 (yo/kyo) — basis, rely on; 所 (tokoro) — place
• Pronunciation: /joɾidokoɾo/

Meaning

Basis; foundation; authority; support. Something one relies on as a source of justification or emotional grounding.

A noun (also written 拠りどころ or よりどころ) that can mean both a logical basis for an argument and an emotional anchor or source of comfort. In formal contexts it often means the grounds or authority on which a claim rests; in everyday speech it can refer to what gives a person a sense of security.

Examples

1. 彼の主張には法的な拠り所がなく、説得力に欠けていた。 His argument lacked any legal basis and was unconvincing.
2. 家族の存在が彼女の心の拠り所になっていた。 The presence of her family served as her emotional anchor.
3. 判断の拠り所となる基準を明確にしておく必要がある。 It is necessary to clearly establish the criteria that serve as the basis for making decisions.

Usage Guide

Context: philosophy, law, psychology, daily life

Tone: reflective

Origin & History

From 拠る (to be based on, to rely on) and 所 (place). The compound literally means 'a place to lean upon,' and its dual sense of intellectual basis and emotional support both stem from this physical metaphor.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Present

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal