子曰 (zǐyuē) translates to 'the Master said' and is a phrase commonly used to introduce quotations from Confucius. It signifies authoritative teachings and is often found in classical texts, particularly in the 'Analects of Confucius', which are foundational to Confucian philosophy.
HSK 7, 16 strokes, Hard
zǐyuē(zi5yue1) T3
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May 27, 2026
子曰zǐyuē(zi5yue1)
子曰 (zǐyuē) translates to 'the Master said' and is a phrase commonly used to introduce quotations from Confucius. It signifies authoritative teachings and is often found in classical texts, particularly in the 'Analects of Confucius', which are foundational to Confucian philosophy.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The phrase 子曰 embodies the teachings of Confucius, who is a central figure in Chinese culture. His thoughts on morality, governance, and human relationships have significantly influenced Chinese society and educational values.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wise old sage, Confucius, seated under a tree, saying profound teachings. The character 子 (zǐ) looks like a child (or son), representing the learner, while 曰 (yuē) resembles a person speaking. Picture the sage imparting wisdom to his students, symbolizing the passing of knowledge.
About 子曰
子曰Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 子曰
Podcast: 子曰
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AI Study Notes for 子曰
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a wise old sage, Confucius, seated under a tree, saying profound teachings. The character 子 (zǐ) looks like a child (or son), representing the learner, while 曰 (yuē) resembles a person speaking. Picture the sage imparting wisdom to his students, symbolizing the passing of knowledge.
Usage Notes
子曰 is typically used in formal contexts, especially in academic or philosophical discussions. A common mistake is to use it casually, which diminishes its reverence; it should not be used lightly among peers. Phrasing that follows 子曰 usually involves philosophical or moral lessons.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 7, students should focus on understanding the context in which 子曰 is used, especially in classical literature. This word connects to other vocabulary related to philosophy, ethics, and teachings, enhancing comprehension of Confucian concepts.
Cultural Note
The phrase 子曰 embodies the teachings of Confucius, who is a central figure in Chinese culture. His thoughts on morality, governance, and human relationships have significantly influenced Chinese society and educational values.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 子曰 as 'zi ya' instead of the correct 'zǐyuē'. Additionally, some may use it colloquially, failing to recognize its formal and respectful connotation, such as saying '子曰' when joking with friends.
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
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Cultural Notes for 子曰
🏮Cultural insight
The phrase 子曰 embodies the teachings of Confucius, who is a central figure in Chinese culture. His thoughts on morality, governance, and human relationships have significantly influenced Chinese society and educational values.
Frequently Asked Questions about 子曰
子曰 refers to the sayings of Confucius, often used to introduce his teachings.
No, 子曰 is a formal phrase and should be reserved for discussions of philosophy or when quoting Confucius.
Generally, it is not; it retains a specific cultural and philosophical significance.
