故事(こじ)

こじ
noun
historical anecdote, old story, legend
1. historical anecdote, old story, classical tale
A story or anecdote from ancient times, particularly from Chinese classics, that has been passed down and often serves as the origin of a proverb or set phrase.
この言葉(ことば)には故事(こじ)がある。
There is a historical anecdote behind this phrase.
故事(こじ)成語(せいご)を使(つか)って文章(ぶんしょう)を書(か)く。
To write using classical four-character idioms.
中国(ちゅうごく)の古典(こてん)に由来(ゆらい)する故事(こじ)は、日本語(にほんご)のことわざにも多(おお)く残(のこ)っている。
Many historical anecdotes originating from Chinese classics remain in Japanese proverbs.

USAGE:
Often appears in the compound 故事(こじ)成語(せいご) (classical idiom based on a historical anecdote) or 故事(こじ)来歴(らいれき) (history and origin). Many 故事(こじ)成語(せいご) in Japanese come from Chinese classical literature, such as 矛盾(むじゅん) (contradiction) and 五十歩百歩(ごじっぽひゃっぽ) (pot calling the kettle black).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 故事(こじ)成語(せいご): idiom based on a historical anecdote
  • 故事(こじ)来歴(らいれき): history and origin
  • 故事(こじ)に{ちなむ}: to be based on a historical anecdote
  • 故事(こじ)にならう: to follow a historical precedent

HOMOPHONE NOTE:
Not to be confused with 誇示(こじ) (display, showing off), which shares the same reading.

Related Words

Homophone: 誇示(こじ) (display, showing off)
general
Added 2026.2.23 8:06
12500/12944_koji