力不从心

lì bù cóng xīn

HSK 3.0 Level 7 Rare

Definitions

1. less capable than desirable (idiom); not as strong as one would wish
2. the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak

Word relationships

Antonyms

2 items

• 游刃有余 yóu rèn yǒu yú 游刃有余 yóu rèn yǒu yú handling a butcher's cleaver with ease (idiom); to do sth skillfully and easily 形容做事熟练，轻而易举: handling a butcher's cleaver with ease (idiom); to do sth skillfully and easily
• 力所能及 lì suǒ néng jí 力所能及 lì suǒ néng jí as far as one's capabilities extend (idiom); to the best of one's ability 表示自己能力范围内能做到的: as far as one's capabilities extend (idiom); to the best of one's ability

Synonyms

2 items

• 心有余而力不足 xīn yǒu yú ér lì bù zú 心有余而力不足 xīn yǒu yú ér lì bù zú the will is there, but not the strength (idiom) 都表示心里想做，但能力不够: the will is there, but not the strength (idiom)
• 无能为力 wú néng wéi lì 无能为力 wú néng wéi lì impotent (idiom) 表示没有能力去做某事: impotent (idiom)

Usage notes

Common mistakes

Do not confuse with 力所不及, which means beyond one's ability, often for objective reasons, while 力不从心 implies a subjective desire but lack of strength.

Formality

Used in both formal and informal contexts; often appears in written self-deprecation, such as 我力不从心, meaning 'I wish I could help but I'm unable.'

Example Sentences

1 shown

我想帮忙，但 力不从心 。

I want to help, but I'm unable to do as much as I'd like.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Child Words of 力不从心

• 不 不 bù: no; not so
• 力 力 lì: power
• 心 心 xīn: heart