also: しのたまわく
the Master said; Confucius said
A set phrase used at the beginning of chapters in the Analects of Confucius to introduce a saying of Confucius. In modern contexts, it may be used humorously or in literary references to the Analects.
The Master said, "Is it not pleasant to learn with a constant perseverance and application?"
Many chapters in the Analects begin with "the Master said."
Standard kanji form for the phrase, using the reading しいわく.
Alternate reading しのたまわく, using the honorific verb のたまう. Less common and more archaic in feel.
From the Analects of Confucius. 子 (し, 'master') + 曰く (いわく, 'said'). The reading しいわく is a standard combination, while しのたまわく uses the honorific verb のたまう for a more respectful or archaic tone.