典故 (diǎn gù) — allusion (to classical literature or historical events); literary quotation
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.
Appears in
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.