典故 (diǎn gù) — allusion (to classical literature or historical…

Definition

A 典故 is a brief allusion to a story, phrase, or figure from classical Chinese literature or history, used to add depth or imply meaning. Unlike a direct 成语 (four-character idiom), it references a specific source the reader is expected to recognize.

noun

allusion (to classical literature or historical events)literary quotation

Examples

典故，。
Zhè piān wén zhāng yòng le hěn duō diǎn gù, dú qǐ lái hěn yǒu shēn dù.
This article uses many allusions, making it quite profound to read.
典故。
Lǎo shī jiě shì le zhè ge diǎn gù de chū chù.
The teacher explained the source of this allusion.
典故。
Bù dǒng diǎn gù de rén hěn nán lǐ jiě zhè shǒu shī.
People who don't understand allusions will have difficulty grasping this poem.