曰
say; be called; surname
Meanings
3 senses · 15 examplesverb
to say; to speak (classical)
literaryUsed in classical Chinese texts to introduce direct speech, equivalent to modern 说. Often found in Confucian classics.
Confucius said, "Is it not a pleasure to learn and practice what you learn?"
The ancients said, "An inch of time is an inch of gold."
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
Who would say that it is not so?
Someone said, "What do you think of repaying injury with virtue?"
The poem says, "Guan guan cry the ospreys, on the islet in the river."
verb
to be called; to be named (classical)
literaryUsed in classical texts to introduce names or appellations, equivalent to modern 叫 or 名叫.
There is a mountain called Phoenix Ridge.
This water is called Weak Water, on which even a goose feather will not float.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
That bird is called Luan or Feng; it will not roost except in the parasol tree.
First is propriety, second is righteousness, third is integrity, fourth is sense of shame.
This book is called the Tao Te Ching, written by Laozi.
noun
surname Yue
A rare Chinese surname.
Professor Yue is the classical literature professor in our department.
During the Spring and Autumn period, there was Yue Ji, a senior official of the State of Jin.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
My surname is Yue, and my given name is Zhiming.
The Yue clan has lived in this area for more than three hundred years.
May I ask how I should address you? My humble surname is Yue.