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.
この言葉には典故がある。
This expression has a classical allusion behind it.
典故を調べて意味を理解した。
I looked up the classical reference and understood the meaning.
漢詩には中国の古典に由来する典故が数多く含まれている。
Chinese poetry contains many allusions derived from classical Chinese texts.
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