心有餘而力不足 xīn yǒu yú ér lì bù zú

the will is there, but not the strength (idiom)

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. the will is there, but not the strength (idiom)
  2. 2. the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak

Characters

Character Meaning
心 xīn HSK 3
heart; mind; intention
有 yǒu HSK 1
to have; there is; there are
餘 yú
remaining; surplus; extra
而 ér HSK 3
and; but (not); (indicates contrast)
力 lì HSK 3
strength; force; power
不 bù HSK 1
not; no; (negative prefix)
足 zú HSK 2
to be sufficient; foot; ample