Chinese word

力不从心

Pronunciation

Pinyinlì bù cóng xīn

Meaning

  • idiombe unable to do as one wishes

Example

最近工作太多，我有点力不从心。zuì jìn gōng zuò tài duō wǒ yóu diǎn lì bù cóng xīn

I've had too much work lately, and I feel I can't quite get it all done.

Illustration for 力不从心 (be unable to do as one wishes)

More examples

面对新技术，他常常感到力不从心。miàn duì xīn jì shù tā cháng cháng gǎn dào lì bù cóng xīn

When faced with new technology, he often feels unable to do as he wishes.

Core concept

The mind points toward the task while the person's actual reach falls short.

Common phrases

  • 感到力不从心gǎn dào lì bù cóng xīn

    feel unable to do as one wishes

  • 有点力不从心yóu diǎn lì bù cóng xīn

    feel somewhat unable to cope

  • 工作上力不从心gōng zuò shàng lì bù cóng xīn

    be unable to do as one wishes at work

Similar words

心有余而力不足xīn yǒu yú ér lì bù zú: Having the will to act but not enough ability or strength to finish the task.
无能为力wú néng wéi lì: Having no ability or means to take action in a situation.
力所不及lì suǒ bù jí: Outside the range of one's ability, so unable to deal with the matter.

Definition in Chinese

内心有意愿但因为能力或客观条件不足，实际做不到或效果不佳的情形。nèi xīn yǒu yì yuàn dàn yīn wèi néng lì huò kè guān tiáo jiàn bù zú shí jì zuò bú dào huò xiào guǒ bù jiā de qíng xíng

Word origin

The four-character idiom 力不从心 (lìbùcóngxīn, "strength does not follow the heart") contrasts 力 (lì, "ability") with 心 (xīn, "wish") to show action failing to match desire.

Usage tips

  • It suits situations where someone accepts a duty or wants to help but cannot produce the needed result, rather than situations involving simple refusal.

Other meanings

  • not be up to the taskidiom
  • be beyond one's abilityidiom

Opposites

Word lists with this word