also: しのたまわく
expression
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.
子曰く、「学びて時に之を習う、亦説ばしからずや」。
The Master said, "Is it not pleasant to learn with a constant perseverance and application?"
論語の各章は「子曰く」で始まることが多い。
Many chapters in the Analects begin with "the Master said."
曰く is a more general term meaning 'according to' or 'what someone said', used in various contexts. 子曰く specifically refers to Confucius and is a set phrase from the Analects.
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.