din2 gu3典故

Jyutpingdin2 gu3

Yaledín gu

名詞Uncommon

Definition

An allusion, anecdote, or historical reference that serves as the source of a name, saying, or literary work.

neutralother

How it's used

Refers specifically to the historical or literary background that explains why a phrase or name exists. It is commonly used when someone asks about the origin of a specific term or custom. Unlike a simple story, it implies that the background information provides depth or cultural context to the subject.

Measure word

go3個go

Examples

nei5你zi1知m4唔zi1知ni1呢go3個dei6地meng2名jau5有me1咩din2典gu3故aa4呀？

Do you know the story behind this place name?

le1呢geoi3句sing4成jyu5語bui3背hau6後jau5有hou2好do1多jau5有ceoi3趣din2典gu3故。

There are many interesting stories behind this idiom.

Common phrases

jan5引jung6用din2典gu3故

to cite a literary reference

gong2講din2典gu3故

to tell the story behind something

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with general stories or gossip. Remember that it must be linked to the origin or explanation of a specific name, idiom, or tradition, rather than just any historical anecdote.