力不從心 lì bù cóng xīn

unable to do what one wants; feel powerless

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. less capable than desirable (idiom); not as strong as one would wish
  2. 2. the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak

Characters

Character Meaning
力 lì HSK 3
strength; force; power
不 bù HSK 1
not; no; (negative prefix)
從 cóng
from; via; through
心 xīn HSK 3
heart; mind; intention