Definition

1. Noun (Compound Noun):
   • The Classics and History: A traditional Vietnamese term, now somewhat literary or historical, referring collectively to the canonical Confucian texts (the Classics) and the official historical records. It represents the core of traditional scholarship and education in East Asia, particularly in pre-modern Vietnam, China, Korea, and Japan.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Các sĩ tử ngày xưa phải dùi mài kinh sử để đi thi. (The scholars of old had to diligently study the Classics and History to take the examinations.)
  • Kiến thức của ông ấy về kinh sử rất uyên thâm. (His knowledge of the Classics and History is very profound.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used in the fixed expression "dùi mài kinh sử", which means "to diligently/assiduously study the Classics and History" or, more broadly, "to devote oneself to scholarly pursuits." It evokes the image of intense, long-term study.

Variants and Related Words

• Kinh điển (n): Classics; canonical texts.
  • Kinh điển Nho giáo (Confucian Classics)
• Sử sách (n): History books; annals.
  • ghi chép trong sử sách (recorded in the history books)

Synonyms

• Classical texts and histories: A direct descriptive synonym.
• Canonical literature: Refers to the authoritative, foundational texts.

Related Idioms

• Dùi mài kinh sử: To grind away at the Classics and History; to study diligently and persistently for a long time, especially in preparation for civil service exams in the traditional Confucian system.

1. Classics and history
   • Dùi mài mài kinh sử
     To read up the (Chinese) classics and history