夙素（sù）

Pronunciation: sù

Basic Meaning: early years and simple life

Detailed Explanation: The idiom "夙素" refers to a person's early years or a simple and frugal life. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a humble and modest lifestyle and cherishing one's roots.

Usage Scenarios: This idiom is often used to describe someone who remains down-to-earth, modest, and content with a simple life. It can also be used to encourage people to appreciate the simplicity and purity of life, rather than pursuing materialistic desires.

Story Origin: The origin of this idiom can be traced back to ancient China. It comes from the famous poem "夙夜在公門" written by the poet Li Bai during the Tang Dynasty. The poem describes Li Bai's simple and humble life as he spends his days and nights in the official residence. The phrase "夙夜" represents the early morning and late evening, while "公門" refers to the official residence. Over time, "夙夜在公門" evolved into the idiom "夙素," which conveys the idea of leading a simple and modest life.

Structure of the Idiom: The idiom "夙素" is a combination of two characters: "夙" and "素." "夙" means "early" or "morning," and "素" means "plain" or "simple." Together, they create the meaning of early years and simple life.

Example Sentences:

1. 他雖然身居高位，但仍保持夙素的生活方式。

Translation: Although he holds a high position, he still maintains a simple and frugal way of life.

2. 她從小生活夙素，對物質并不追求。

Translation: She has lived a simple life since childhood and is not materialistic.

Memory Techniques: To remember the idiom "夙素," you can associate "夙" with the sound "su" and imagine someone waking up early in the morning (夙) and leading a simple life (素).

Extended Learning: To further understand the concept of leading a simple life, you can explore the philosophy of minimalism and read books or articles on the topic. Additionally, you can study other related idioms such as "樸素" (pǔ sù), which means simplicity, and "清貧" (qīng pín), which means poverty with dignity.

Examples of Sentences by Students of Different Age Groups:

1. Elementary school student: 我的奶奶過著夙素的生活，從不浪費任何東西。

Translation: My grandmother lives a simple life and never wastes anything.

2. Middle school student: 我們應該向那些過著夙素生活的人學習，珍惜我們擁有的一切。

Translation: We should learn from those who live a simple life and cherish everything we have.

3. High school student: 在這個物欲橫流的社會里，保持夙素的生活態度是一種品質。

Translation: In this materialistic society, maintaining a simple life attitude is a virtue.