young but mature; lacking youthful vigor
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 4 examplesadjective
young but experienced and prudent; mature beyond one's years
commendatoryOriginal commendatory sense describing a young person who behaves with the prudence of an adult.
Tā他
shào少
nián年
lǎo老
chéng成
，
shēn深
dé得
zhǎng长
bèi辈
xìn信
rèn任
。
He is young but mature, and has won the deep trust of his elders.
Zhè这
hái孩
zi子
suī虽
rán然
cái才
shí十
wǔ五
suì岁
，
què却
shào少
nián年
lǎo老
chéng成
，
bàn办
shì事
hěn很
kào靠
pǔ谱
。
Although this child is only fifteen, he is mature beyond his years and very reliable in handling matters.
adjective
lacking youthful vigor; behaving like an old person despite one's youth
derogatoryModern often derogatory usage criticizing a young person for being overly serious, dull, or lacking the energy typical of youth.
Nǐ你
cái才
èr二
shí十
suì岁
，
bié别
zhěng整
tiān天
shào少
nián年
lǎo老
chéng成
de的
，
yào要
yǒu有
diǎn点
nián年
qīng轻
rén人
de的
huó活
lì力
。
You're only twenty; don't act like an old person all day—have some youthful energy.
Tā他
zǒng总
shì是
yī一
fù副
shào少
nián年
lǎo老
chéng成
de的
yàng样
zi子
，
ràng让
rén人
jué觉
de得
méi没
jìn劲
。
He always puts on such a staid, overly mature act that it bores people.