📖 Meaning
Originally describing a young person who is remarkably mature and experienced beyond their years. In modern usage, it can also carry a slightly negative connotation, referring to a young person who lacks the vigor and vitality of youth.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom traces back to the Han Dynasty, recorded in Zhao Qi's 'Sanfu Juelu.' It tells of Wei Kang (courtesy name Yuanjiang), who at age fifteen already stood over eight feet tall and served as a county registrar. The official Yang Biao praised him, saying that despite his youth, Wei possessed the seasoned demeanor of a mature adult, comparing him to a spirited steed capable of galloping a thousand li. The phrase '老成之风' (the manner of the mature) later evolved into the four-character idiom '少年老成.'
💡 Example Usage
他虽然只有十六岁，却少年老成，遇事沉稳冷静，从不慌张。
Though only sixteen, he is mature beyond his years—calm and composed in any situation, never flustered.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 少年老成
- Pinyin: shào nián lǎo chéng
- Literal Translation: young, years, old, mature
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4