力不从心

• 拼音: lì bù cóng xīn
• 汉字拆解: 力 = 力 (strength); 不 = 不 (not); 从 = 人 + 从 (follow); 心 = 心 (heart/mind)

含义

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.

例句

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。
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。
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。

用法指南

语境: self-assessment, apology, health, workload

语气: apologetic

正确说法

• 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.)

错误说法

• 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

起源与历史

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

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal