有心无力

有心無力

yǒuxīn-wúlì

idiom

Meanings

1 willing but unable
2 the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
3 to want to help but lack the means

Characters

heart; intention

strength; power

Examples

HSK 3

我很想帮你，可是有心无力。

Wǒ hěn xiǎng bāng nǐ, kěshì yǒuxīn-wúlì.

I really want to help you, but I simply don't have the means.

HSK 5

老人想照顾孙子，但年纪大了，有心无力。

Lǎorén xiǎng zhàogù sūnzi, dàn niánjì dà le, yǒuxīn-wúlì.

The old man wants to look after his grandson, but at his age he's willing yet unable.

HSK 6

面对这么复杂的局面，他有心无力。

Miànduì zhème fùzá de júmiàn, tā yǒuxīn-wúlì.

Faced with such a complex situation, he was willing but powerless.

Tips

history

From the Southern Dynasties text 《高僧传》 by Huijiao (Liang dynasty): 贫道必当尽诚上答，正恐有心无力耳. A monk fears he cannot repay a kindness because, though willing, he lacks the strength.

usage

Often used to politely decline or apologize. Compare 力不从心 (near-synonym, slightly more about mental/physical incapacity) and 爱莫能助 (wanting to help but unable to).

Stroke Order

有 yǒu

心 xīn

无 wú

力 lì