less capable than desirable (idiom); not as strong as one would wish
HSK 7, unknown, rank #23051, Hard, colloquial
力不从心
lìbùcóngxīn
the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
HSK 7, unknown, rank #23051, Hard
lìbùcóngxīn(li4bu4cong2xin1) T4
1less capable than desirable (idiom); not as strong as one would wish
2the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
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March 24, 2026
力不从心(力不從心)lìbùcóngxīn(li4bu4cong2xin1)
The idiom 力不从心 (lì bù cóng xīn) describes a situation where one's abilities or strength do not match one's desires or ambitions. It conveys the frustration of wanting to achieve something but lacking the physical or mental capacity to do so, often used in contexts of aging or overwhelming tasks.
Frequency#23051DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, there's a strong emphasis on perseverance and capability, making this idiom particularly poignant when discussing aging or the pressures of modern life. It reflects a common sentiment of individuals wanting to achieve more than their current situation allows.
Memory Tip
Imagine a determined young person (心) wanting to lift a heavy weight (力), but their muscles (力) are just too weak (不从). The image of the heart being willing but the body failing creates a vivid memory of this idiom.
Meanings of 力不从心
lìbùcóngxīn(li4bu4cong2xin1)
1less capable than desirable (idiom); not as strong as one would wish
2the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
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About 力不从心
力不从心Simplified
力不從心Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 力不从心
Podcast: 力不从心
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AI Study Notes for 力不从心
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a determined young person (心) wanting to lift a heavy weight (力), but their muscles (力) are just too weak (不从). The image of the heart being willing but the body failing creates a vivid memory of this idiom.
Usage Notes
This idiom is often used in informal conversations to express disappointment in one's limitations. Be careful not to use it in overly formal contexts, as it can come off as self-pitying. Common collocations include feelings of frustration or situations involving aging.
HSK Study Tips
While this idiom is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, it connects with HSK Level 4 concepts like desire (愿望) and ability (能力). Students should focus on understanding how idioms can convey complex emotions and ideas.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, there's a strong emphasis on perseverance and capability, making this idiom particularly poignant when discussing aging or the pressures of modern life. It reflects a common sentiment of individuals wanting to achieve more than their current situation allows.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up the components and say 力从心不, which is incorrect. The correct order is crucial for conveying the intended meaning. Another common mistake is using it in contexts where one is simply unwilling rather than unable, which misrepresents the idiom's meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 力不从心
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Cultural Notes for 力不从心
💡Did you know?
'力不从心' is often used to express the frustration of wanting to achieve something but being hindered by physical limitations. It highlights the universal human experience of desire versus ability.
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, there's a strong emphasis on perseverance and capability, making this idiom particularly poignant when discussing aging or the pressures of modern life. It reflects a common sentiment of individuals wanting to achieve more than their current situation allows.
Frequently Asked Questions about 力不从心
You should use 力不从心 when discussing situations where your intentions or ambitions are hindered by your physical strength or capabilities. It can be applicable in various contexts, such as work, sports, or personal goals, to convey the feeling of being overwhelmed despite wanting to achieve something.
Some synonyms for 力不从心 include 事与愿违 (shì yǔ yuàn wéi), which means 'things do not go as wished,' and 无能为力 (wú néng wéi lì), meaning 'unable to do anything.' These phrases also convey a sense of helplessness when one's capabilities fall short of their desires.
力不从心 (lì bù cóng xīn) is an idiom that translates to 'the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.' It describes a situation where one's desires or intentions exceed their physical capabilities or resources. This phrase is often used when someone wants to do something but lacks the strength or ability to carry it out.
You can use 力不从心 in a sentence to express a feeling of inadequacy or frustration due to physical limitations. For example, you might say, '虽然我想去健身，但我现在太累了，真是力不从心,' which means 'Although I want to go to the gym, I am too tired right now; my spirit is willing but my body can't keep up.'
It's best to avoid using 力不从心 in formal contexts, as it may convey a sense of weakness that is more suited to informal conversations.
Yes, you might also consider using phrases like 精力不足 (jīnglì bùzú), which means lacking energy, to convey a similar sentiment.
No, it can also refer to mental or emotional limitations, not just physical strength.
