引经据典 (yǐn jīng jù diǎn)

Character breakdown

• 引 (yǐn) · 4 strokes

  Pictograph of a bowstring being pulled back.

• 经 (Jīng) · 8 strokes

  Simplified form of 經. Originally written 巠, which depicts weaving vertical (warp) threads on a loom. The 纟 (thread) component was added later. Based on the original meaning "warp thread". The meaning…

• 据 (jù) · 11 strokes

  Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 居 represents the sound. Simplified form of 據.

• 典 (diǎn) · 8 strokes

  Depicts two hands (廾) holding a book (冊).

Usage

他发言时总喜欢引经据典，显得自己很有学问。

He always likes to quote authoritative sources when speaking, making himself seem very learned.

Tā fā yán shí zǒng xǐ huān yǐn jīng jù diǎn, xiǎn de zì jǐ hěn yǒu xué wèn.