Definitions
(verb)
to speak; to say
Etymology
Depicts a line, representing speech, coming out of a mouth (口).
About
The character "曰" originated as a pictograph depicting a mouth with a line suggesting sound or speech emanating from it, which over time condensed into its present form of a rectangular shape bisected by a horizontal stroke. Structurally, it is an indivisible unit that functions as a radical in the organization of the writing system. Its core meaning as a verb meaning "to say" or "to speak" was established early, frequently used in classical Chinese to introduce quotations or narrated speech, but its application has narrowed in modern usage, where it now primarily occurs in literary or fixed expressions rather than in colloquial dialogue.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
妈妈曰要早点睡觉。
他曰他喜欢读书。
昨天老师曰明天有考试。
她曰为什么不去公园？
爸爸曰如果下雨就不出门。
校长在会议上曰学生应该努力学习。
他曰虽然很忙但他会帮忙。
在报告中专家曰气候变化是严峻的挑战。