史料

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 史料 (しりょう) combines history 史 and material 料 to denote evidence used in historical study.
• Basic usage: It refers to letters, records, and other sources that help reconstruct past life or local history.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Historical 史料 versus general 資料
  • Both can be read しりょう, but 史料 specifically marks material as a historical source.