力不从心

• Pinyin: lì bù cóng xīn
• Hanzi breakdown: 力 = 力 (strength); 不 = 不 (not); 从 = 人 + 从 (follow); 心 = 心 (heart/mind)

Meaning

The will is there but the strength is lacking; unable to do what one desires despite genuine intent. Describes a gap between aspiration and actual capability.

A four-character idiom expressing inability due to physical, financial, or situational limitations rather than lack of willpower. Often used with an apologetic or regretful tone when declining a request or acknowledging one's limits.

Examples

1. 父亲年迈体弱，虽然心中挂念，却已力不从心，无法独自照料孙辈。 My father is elderly and frail. Even though he cares deeply, he no longer has the strength to look after the grandchildren on his own.
2. 任务量远超预期，团队成员纵有满腔热忱，也难免力不从心。 The workload was far beyond expectations; even with plenty of passion, the team members still struggled to keep up.
3. 他坦言自己在技术层面力不从心，希望公司能提供专业培训支持。 He admitted that he was struggling on the technical side and hoped the company could provide professional training support.

Usage Guide

Context: self-assessment, apology, health, workload

Tone: apologetic

Do Say

• 我非常想帮忙，但目前精力有限，实在力不从心，请见谅。(I sincerely want to help, but my energy is currently limited and I truly lack the strength — please forgive me.)
• 随着年龄增长，他感到越来越力不从心，不得不将部分职责移交给年轻同事。(As he aged, he felt increasingly unable to cope and had no choice but to hand over some responsibilities to younger colleagues.)

Don't Say

• 用'力不从心'表示主观上不想做某事 — 该成语强调客观能力不足而非意愿缺失，否则会给人推卸责任的印象

Origin & History

力 (strength/ability) + 不 (not) + 从 (follow/comply with) + 心 (heart/will) — strength does not follow the will

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal