Definition
曰 (yuē) is an archaic/literary verb meaning 'to say', used only in classical texts, formal quotations, or proverbs. In modern everyday Chinese, use 说 (shuō) or 说话 (shuō huà) instead — 曰 is never used in casual conversation.
verb
to say (archaic/literary, used in classical texts and formal quotations)
Easily confused
- 日rìlook-alikesun
- 月yuèsound-alikemoon
- 越yuèsound-alike(adverb, in structure '越A越B') the more... the more
- 约yuēsound-alike(verb) to make an appointment; to arrange to meet
Examples
- 曰：“，。”Zǐ yuē: “Jǐ suǒ bú yù, wù shī yú rén.”The Master said: ‘Do not do to others what you do not wish for yourself.’
- 曰：“，。”Gǔ yǔ yuē: “Qiān lǐ zhī xíng, shǐ yú zú xià.”An old saying goes: ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.’
- 曰：“，。”Bēi wén yuē: “Wèi tiān dì lì xīn, wèi shēng mín lì mìng.”The epitaph reads: ‘To set a heart for Heaven and Earth, to ordain a destiny for the people.’
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