noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
the aforementioned; the ... in question
Used to refer back to a previously mentioned person, thing, or incident. Often appears in formal or narrative contexts.
くだんの人物がついに姿を現した。
The person in question finally showed up.
The man in question appeared again.
新聞はくだんの事件について詳しく報じた。
The newspaper reported in detail on the aforementioned incident.
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
the usual
Refers to something habitual or typical, often with a nuance of 'that thing we always talk about'. Less common than sense 1.
彼はまたくだんの自慢話を始めた。
He started his usual boasting again.
件の店でいつものコーヒーを飲んだ。
I had my usual coffee at that same old shop.
I will explain in detail about the incident in question.
前述 means 'previously stated' and is used in written documents, whereas 件 (くだん) is a more literary, narrative way to point back to something already brought up.
例の casually points to a topic both speakers already know about, while 件 (くだん) is a formal, literary way to refer to something previously mentioned or habitual.
件 read けん is the everyday counter for matters or incidents, while the same kanji read くだん is a formal literary word meaning 'the aforementioned'.
Usually written in kana; the kanji spelling 件 is rare and may be confused with other readings.
Kanji spelling is possible but uncommon; learners should prefer the kana form to avoid confusion with 件 (けん).
Derived from the classical Japanese phrase 来る段 (くるだん), literally 'the coming step/stage', which evolved into a set phrase meaning 'the aforementioned'.