未老先衰 premature aging
Explanation
指年纪不大就衰老了，多指由于精神或体力负担过重而导致过早衰老。
Refers to someone who is old and frail at a young age, usually due to excessive mental or physical strain.
Origin Story
话说唐朝时期，有个年轻有为的书生名叫李白，他博览群书，才华横溢，一心想要考取功名，光宗耀祖。然而，他为了追求功名利禄，日夜苦读，废寝忘食。他每天都挑灯夜战，读书写字，甚至忘记了吃饭和睡觉。渐渐地，他的身体越来越差，头发也开始变白，年纪轻轻就显得苍老憔悴。他的朋友们都劝他注意休息，但他却固执己见，不肯听从劝告。最终，李白因为过度劳累，年纪轻轻就未老先衰，留下了一生的遗憾。这个故事告诉我们，健康比什么都重要，我们要劳逸结合，不能为了追求功名利禄而损害自己的身体。
It is said that during the Tang Dynasty, there was a young and promising scholar named Li Bai. He was widely read and talented, and he wanted to achieve fame and honor and glorify his ancestors. However, in pursuit of fame and fortune, he studied day and night, neglecting sleep and food. Every day, he would burn the midnight oil, reading and writing, even forgetting to eat and sleep. Gradually, his health deteriorated, his hair began to turn white, and he seemed old and haggard at a young age. His friends advised him to rest, but he was stubborn and refused to listen. In the end, Li Bai, because of overwork, aged prematurely at a young age, leaving a lifelong regret. This story tells us that health is more important than anything else. We must balance work and rest and not harm our bodies for the pursuit of fame and fortune.
Usage
常用来形容人过早衰老，也指事物过早衰败。
Often used to describe a person aging prematurely or a thing decaying prematurely.
Examples
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他年轻的时候就未老先衰了，令人惋惜。
ta ningqing de shihou jiu weilao xianshuai le, ling ren wanxi.
He aged prematurely when he was young, which is a pity.
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工作压力过大，导致他未老先衰。
gongzuo yali guoda, daozhi ta weilao xianshuai。
Excessive work pressure caused him to age prematurely.