1.
classical allusion; literary reference; historical precedent
A reference to a classic text, historical event, or well-known story from the literary tradition, especially Chinese classics.
Composed of 典 (classic; canon) + 故 (reason; origin; old). Refers to the practice of embedding references to classical literature, history, or philosophy in writing. Particularly common in discussions of 漢詩 (Chinese poetry), 和歌 (classical Japanese poetry), and literary criticism.
Common collocations
- 典故に基づく: to be based on a classical allusion
- 典故を引く: to cite a classical reference
- 典故を踏まえる: to draw on a classical allusion
Similar words
- 故事: historical anecdote; precedent — refers to the stories and events themselves, while 典故 emphasizes the act of alluding to them in writing
- 出典: source; citation — refers to the specific text being quoted, while 典故 refers to the allusive technique
- 引用: quotation; citation — a direct quote from a source, while 典故 is an indirect allusion