The idea of learning from the past or studying earlier examples in order to create or discover new ideas; a four-character idiom emphasizing that reviewing history can inspire innovation.
先生は授業で「温故知新」の大切さを強調した。
The teacher emphasized the importance of 'onkochishin' in class.
古い資料を読み返し、温故知新の精神で新しいアイデアを得た。
I re-read old documents and, with the spirit of learning from the past, came up with a new idea.
この会社は温故知新をモットーに、伝統技術を現代に応用している。
This company, with the motto of learning from the past, applies traditional techniques to modern contexts.