noun
Used in formal or literary contexts for a ceremony or celebration. Often appears in compound words such as 式典 (ceremony) or 祝典 (celebration).
卒業式典が厳かに執り行われた。
The graduation ceremony was solemnly held.
noun
law code; legal code
Refers to a body of laws or a legal code. Common in historical or legal contexts, e.g., 六法全書 (compendium of laws).
この法典は明治時代に制定された。
This law code was enacted in the Meiji period.
noun
Abbreviation for 瑞典 (Sweden). Used mainly in historical or abbreviated contexts, such as 日典関係 (Japan-Sweden relations).
See also: 瑞典 (スウェーデン)
「典」はスウェーデンを表す略称として使われることがある。
The character 典 is sometimes used as an abbreviation for Sweden.
A compound meaning 'ceremony', more common than 典 alone for this sense.
A compound meaning 'law code', more specific and common than 典 alone.
The full kanji name for Sweden; 典 is its abbreviation.
The kanji 典 originally depicts a document placed on a stand, symbolizing a canonical text or law. Its meanings of ceremony, law, and abbreviation for Sweden derive from this core sense of authoritative record.