題材

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 題材 combines 題 with 材, meaning material, to name the subject matter of a work or discussion.
• Basic usage: It refers to material used in creating a work, such as childhood memories or local tales.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Material and theme
  • 題材 focuses on what is used as material; 主題 focuses on the central idea or issue explored in the work.
• Distinguishing a title
  • 題名 is the name given to a work. A novel’s subject matter and the title on its cover have different roles.