英年早逝

yīngnián-zǎoshì

idiom #24,575

Meanings

1 to die young
2 to be cut off in one's prime
3 to pass away at a young age

Characters

outstanding / heroic / in the prime of life

early / premature

to pass away / to die (literary)

Examples

HSK 4

他英年早逝，没能看到自己的研究成果发表。

Tā yīngnián-zǎoshì, méi néng kàndào zìjǐ de yánjiū chéngguǒ fābiǎo.

He died in his prime and never saw his research published.

HSK 7-9

这位天才诗人英年早逝，令人惋惜。

Zhèwèi tiāncái shīrén yīngnián-zǎoshì, lìngrén wǎnxī.

It is a great pity that this gifted poet died so young.

Tips

usage

英年早逝 is used specifically for talented or notable individuals who die young, carrying a sense of lamentation at unfulfilled potential. It is not used for ordinary early deaths.

Stroke Order

英 yīng

年 nián

早 zǎo

逝 shì