力所能及

• Pinyin: lì suǒ néng jí
• Hanzi breakdown: 力 = 力 (strength); 所 = 户 + 斤 (that which/place); 能 = 厶 + 匕 + 月 (ability/can); 及 = 又 + 人 (reach/attain)

Meaning

Within one's power; to the extent of one's ability. Describes acting helpfully within the limits of what one is genuinely capable of.

A four-character idiom used to politely indicate the extent of one's contribution or assistance. Often employed modestly when offering help, acknowledging that one cannot go beyond one's capacity. Suggests goodwill within realistic limits.

Examples

1. 她表示愿意在力所能及的范围内为灾区提供物资援助。 She said she was willing to provide supplies to the disaster area to the best of her ability.
2. 志愿者们尽自己力所能及的努力，为孤寡老人提供日常照料。 The volunteers did everything they could to provide daily care for elderly people living alone.
3. 作为一名普通市民，他力所能及地参与社区的环保行动。 As an ordinary citizen, he took part in the community’s environmental efforts as much as he could.

Usage Guide

Context: volunteering, assistance, modesty, community

Tone: humble

Do Say

• 如果你遇到困难，我会在力所能及的范围内尽力帮助你，请不要客气。(If you run into difficulties, I will help you to the best of my ability — please don't hesitate to ask.)
• 捐款金额不限，大家只需在力所能及的范围内表达心意即可。(There is no set donation amount; everyone simply needs to contribute what is within their means.)

Don't Say

• 用'力所能及'拒绝本可完成的任务 — 该成语暗示真实的能力边界，若用于推脱则显得不诚实

Origin & History

力 (strength/ability) + 所 (that which) + 能 (can/is able to) + 及 (reach/attain) — that which one's strength can reach

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal