力不从心

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: lì bù cóng xīn
• English Translation: Lacking the power to do what one desires; powerless to act; unable to fulfill one's wishes
• Idiom Composition: 「力」（Ability, strength）＋「不」（Not, cannot）＋「从」（To follow, to obey）＋「心」（Heart, will）
• Meaning: Describes a situation where one wants to do something in their heart but lacks the ability or strength to accomplish it. It expresses the frustration of wanting to act but being unable to do so.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「力不从心」 contains the following nuances:

• Gap between will and ability: Describes a state where one strongly desires something but lacks the ability or strength to realize it.
• Feeling of helplessness: Involves feelings of helplessness and frustration when one realizes their own inadequacy and inability to change the situation.
• Constraints due to external factors: Used not only for lack of ability but also when external factors such as time, money, or environment prevent one from doing what they want.
• Feelings of regret: Includes feelings of regret and frustration about the gap between one's ideals and reality.

3. Usage

「力不从心」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Expressing inadequacy of ability: Used to express that one's ability is insufficient to achieve a goal.
  • Example:「这个任务太难了，我实在是力不从心。」
    （This task is too difficult; I really lack the ability to handle it.）
• Explaining constraints due to external factors: Used to explain situations where one cannot do what they want due to constraints like time or money.
  • Example:「我很想去旅行，但是最近工作太忙，实在力不从心。」
    （I want to go on a trip, but work has been too busy lately; I really can't manage it.）
• Expressing feelings of regret: Used to express regret for not being able to meet someone's expectations.
  • Example:「我知道你希望我帮忙，但是我最近身体不太好，恐怕力不从心。」
    （I know you want my help, but my health hasn't been good lately, so I probably can't be of assistance.）

Additional Examples:

1. 他很想帮助朋友，但最近自己的事情也很多，真是力不从心。
   （He wants to help his friend, but he has so much on his own plate lately, he really lacks the power to do what he desires.）
2. 面对如此复杂的项目，他感到力不从心，需要更多的支持和资源。
   （Facing such a complex project, he feels inadequate and needs more support and resources.）
3. 尽管她很想参加马拉松比赛，但由于训练不足，她感到力不从心。
   （She wanted to participate in the marathon, but due to insufficient training, she felt her heart was willing but her strength was lacking.）
4. 老李年纪大了，想帮儿女带孩子，但身体力不从心，只能干着急。
   （Mr. Li is getting old and wants to help take care of his grandchildren, but his body doesn't move as he wishes, and he can only feel anxious.）
5. 这个任务超出了我的能力范围，我实在是力不从心。
   （This task exceeds my abilities; I really lack the strength to handle it.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Connection to 'unity of knowledge and action': In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of 'zhixing heyi' (知行合一), meaning the unity of knowledge and action, is highly valued. 'Lì bù cóng xīn' describes a frustrating state where this unity cannot be achieved—where what one thinks (knowledge) and what one can actually do (action) do not align.
• Difference from excuses: 'Lì bù cóng xīn' is distinct from mere excuses or laziness. It expresses unavoidable circumstances where one genuinely wants to do something but lacks the ability or conditions to do so.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 无能为力 (wú néng wéi lì): Unable to do anything; powerless.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 得心应手 (dé xīn yìng shǒu): Able to do as one pleases; very skilled.
  • 游刃有余 (yóu rèn yǒu yú): Able to handle with ease; having sufficient ability.

6. Summary

'Lì bù cóng xīn' (力不从心) is an idiom expressing the frustrating situation where one has a strong will to achieve goals or ideals but lacks the ability or circumstances to do so. When using this phrase, it is important to convey that there are genuine, unavoidable reasons preventing action, rather than making excuses. Understanding the Chinese concept of 'zhixing heyi' (unity of knowledge and action) helps deepen appreciation of this idiom's meaning.