Word: 典故 (diǎngù) 典故 dictionary entry diǎngù classical story or quote from the literature; the story behind sth Full dictionary entry for 典故 Example sentences using 典故 2 sentences, showing page 1 of 1. 他讲话时常常用古书里的典故。 Tā jiǎnghuà shícháng chángyòng gǔshū lǐ de diǎngù. When he speaks, he often uses allusions from old books. 老师给我们讲了这句诗里的典故。 Lǎoshī gěi wǒmen jiǎngle zhè jù shī lǐ de diǎngù. The teacher told us about the allusion in this line of poetry.