寿终正寝 die a natural death
Explanation
指寿终正寝,年纪很大才死;正寝:旧式住宅的正房。原指老死在家里。现也比喻事物到了尽头。
means to die peacefully of old age; Zhengqin: the main house in an old-style house. Originally referred to dying at home in old age. Now also used to describe the end of something.
Origin Story
话说唐朝时期,有个名叫李实的官员,他勤政爱民,深受百姓爱戴。可是岁月不饶人,李实年事已高,身体每况愈下。然而,他一直兢兢业业地为百姓服务,即使卧病在床,也不忘处理政务。终于,在一个风和日丽的早晨,李实寿终正寝,安详地离开了人世。百姓们悲痛不已,纷纷为他送葬,场面极其悲壮。李实的死,不仅是个人生命的终结,更是唐朝一代贤臣的陨落,也象征着一个时代的结束。他的事迹,后来被人们广为传颂,成为后世官吏效仿的典范。
It is said that during the Tang Dynasty, there was an official named Li Shi, who was diligent and loved by the people. However, time took its toll, and Li Shi grew old and frail. Yet, he diligently served the people, and even while bedridden, he never forgot to handle government affairs. Finally, on a beautiful morning, Li Shi died peacefully. The people were filled with grief, and they all attended his funeral. His death was not just the end of a life, but the fall of a wise minister of the Tang Dynasty, symbolizing the end of an era. His deeds were later widely praised, serving as a model for future officials.
Usage
通常用于形容人自然死亡,也用于比喻事物的结束或终结。
It's typically used to describe a natural death, but it is also employed to represent the end or termination of things.
Examples
-
李老先生寿终正寝,享年九十岁。
Li laoxiansheng shòuzhōngzhèngqǐn, xiǎngnián jiǔshí suì.
Old Mr. Li died peacefully at the age of ninety.
-
这家老字号商店寿终正寝了,令人惋惜。
Zhè jiā lǎozìhào shāngdiàn shòuzhōngzhèngqǐn le, lìng rén wǎnxī.
This old shop has closed its doors, which is a pity.