Definition
英年早逝 is a respectful four-character idiom (chengyu) describing someone who died at a young age while still in their prime — typically used for talented individuals whose death was premature. The literal meaning ('heroic years, early death') should not be interpreted literally; the phrase carries a tone of regret and respect. It functions as a verb in sentences.
v
to die prematurely in one's primeto be cut off in the flower of one's youth
Examples
- 英年早逝，。Nà wèi niánqīng de gāngqínjiā búxìng yīng nián zǎo shì, lìng zhěnggè yīnyuèjiè bēitòng bù yǐ.That young pianist unfortunately died an untimely death, causing deep sorrow throughout the music world.
- ，英年早逝，。Tā shì yī wèi cáihuá héngyì de shīrén, què yīng nián zǎo shì, lìng rén wǎnxī.He was a brilliant poet, but he died prematurely, which is truly regrettable.
- 英年早逝，。Lìshǐ shàng xǔduō tiāncái yìshùjiā yīng nián zǎo shì, zhǐ liú xià le yǒuxiàn de zuòpǐn.Many genius artists in history were cut off in their prime, leaving behind only a limited body of work.
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