殀 (yāo) - To die young & to die prematurely

殀Tone 1

yāo ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 歹

嬿一

殀 · yāo

To die young;

to die prematurely;

to be cut off in one's prime.

To die youngto die prematurelyto be cut off in one's prime.

Usage highlights

die youngpremature deathuntimely demisetalent cut shortyoung death

Synonyms

  • 夭— die young; premature death
  • 早逝— die early; premature death
  • 夭折— die young; be cut short

Antonyms

  • 寿— longevity; old age
  • 长寿— long life; longevity

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The poet died young (诗人早殀).
  • It's tragic when talent is cut short (英才早殀).
  • The dynasty's heir died prematurely (王朝继承人早殀).

Collocations

  • die young(早殀)
  • premature death(夭殀)
  • untimely demise(早殀)
  • talent cut short(英才早殀)
  • young death(少殀)

Idioms

  • To die young and be forgotten(殀亡)
  • The orchid snaps, the jade breaks(兰摧玉殀)
  • To die an untimely death(殀折)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Historically used to describe the tragic death of young people, especially those with promising futures.
  • Often appears in classical literature to convey the fragility of life and the sorrow of unfulfilled potential.
  • Considered an inauspicious character due to its association with premature death.

FAQ