爱莫能助 ài mò néng zhù

DEFINITIONS

  1. unable to help however much one would like to (idiom); Although we sympathize, there is no way to help you.
  2. My hands are tied.

CHARACTERS

爱 ài
HSK 1
love, be fond of, like
莫 mò
HSK 6
do not, is not, can not; negative
能 néng
HSK 1
to be able; can, permitted to; ability
助 zhù
HSK 2
help, aid, assist