曰

曰

"曰" means "to say" or "to state."

In this classical usage, '曰' serves as a formal verb meaning 'to say' or 'to speak'.

孔子曰：学而时习之，不亦说乎？

Confucius said: Learning and practicing frequently, isn't it also joyful?

Here, '曰' is used in a formal context to introduce a citation or saying from an authoritative source.

古书曰：天下为公，选贤与能。

Ancient scriptures state: The world is for everyone, and the capable and virtuous are chosen.

In this sentence, '曰' introduces a literary quotation, a common function in written Chinese.

诗云曰：关关雎鸠，在河之洲。

The poem says: Guan Guan cries the osprey, on the islet in the river.