力所能及

lì suǒ néng jí

HSK 2.0 Level 6 HSK 3.0 Level 7 Uncommon

Definitions

1. as far as one's capabilities extend (idiom); to the best of one's ability
2. within one's powers

Word relationships

Antonyms

1 item

• 无力 wú lì 无力 wú lì powerless 表示没有能力或力量: powerless

Synonyms

2 items

• 尽力 jìn lì 尽力 jìn lì to strive one's hardest 表示尽其所能地做某事: to strive one's hardest
• 竭尽全力 jié jìn quán lì 竭尽全力 jié jìn quán lì to spare no effort (idiom); to do one's utmost 强调用尽所有力气或能力: to spare no effort (idiom); to do one's utmost

Usage notes

Collocations

Often followed by 的 + noun, e.g., 力所能及的事情, but never used directly before an action verb; use 尽力 to modify a verb.

Common mistakes

The phrase is idiomatic and fixed; learners often incorrectly insert 的 between 所能 and 及 (e.g., 力所*能*的及 is wrong).

Example Sentences

1 shown

我会做 力所能及 的事来帮助你。

I will do what I can to help you.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Child Words of 力所能及

• 力 力 lì: power
• 及 及 jí: and
• 所 所 suǒ: actually
• 能 能 néng: can
• 所能 所能 suǒ néng: according to one's capabilities