夭 (yāo) - To die young & to be cut off prematurely

夭Tone 1

yāo ｜ 4 strokes ｜ radical: 大

嬿一

夭 · yāo

To die young;

to be cut off prematurely;

tender;

delicate;

(archaic) lush, luxuriant.

To die youngto be cut off prematurelytender

Usage highlights

die youngpremature deathlush and lovelydelicate peach blossomsprematurely deceasedluxuriant growth

Synonyms

  • 折— to break; to die young (in 夭折)
  • 殇— to die young
  • 亡— to die; to perish

Antonyms

  • 寿— longevity
  • 老— old age
  • 壮— robust; strong

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The child died young (夭折).
  • The peach blossoms are delicate and lovely (夭桃秾李).
  • He passed away prematurely (夭亡).

Collocations

  • die young(夭折)
  • premature death(夭亡)
  • lush and lovely(夭夭)
  • delicate peach blossoms(夭桃)
  • prematurely deceased(夭殇)
  • luxuriant growth(夭绍)

Idioms

  • Delicate peach and lush plum(夭桃秾李)
  • Dying young and being cut off(夭折短命)
  • Lush and graceful(夭矫不群)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In classical texts like the Book of Songs, '夭夭' described the vibrant, lush appearance of peach blossoms.
  • The character carries a dual connotation: positive (lushness, beauty) and negative (premature death).
  • Due to its association with early death, it is generally avoided in Chinese given names.

FAQ