Definitions
(verb)
to speak; to say
Etymology
Depicts a line, representing speech, coming out of a mouth (口).
About
Formed as an ideogram, 曰 consists of the mouth enclosure 口 with a horizontal stroke inside, graphically representing breath or sound from the mouth. It functions as a verb meaning "to say" or "to call", and serves as a foundational component in characters related to speech and communication. While its use as a standalone verb is mainly found in classical texts, historical literature, and set idioms rather than everyday conversation, it remains an important structural element in the modern lexicon when combined with other components.
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。