无能为力

wú néng wéi lì

HSK 2.0 Level 6 HSK 3.0 Level 7 Common

Definitions

1. impotent (idiom)
2. powerless
3. helpless

Word relationships

Related words

2 items

• 无奈 wú nài 无奈 wú nài to have no alternative 表示没有办法，感到遗憾: to have no alternative
• 力不从心 lì bù cóng xīn 力不从心 lì bù cóng xīn less capable than desirable (idiom); not as strong as one would wish 心里想做，可是能力够不上: less capable than desirable (idiom); not as strong as one would wish

Synonyms

1 item

• 无力 wú lì 无力 wú lì powerless 指缺乏力量或能力: powerless

Usage notes

Common mistakes

无能为力 is a fixed idiom, not a pattern for building other phrases. Do not say 有能为力 to mean capable.

Formality

More formal than 没办法, often used in writing or polite refusals.

Example Sentences

1 shown

这件事我真的 无能为力 。

I really can't do anything about this matter.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Child Words of 无能为力

• 力 力 lì: power
• 为 为 wéi: as (in the capacity of)
• 为 为 wèi: because of
• 无 无 wú: not to have
• 无能 无能 wú néng: incompetence
• 能 能 néng: can