# 力不从心

lì bù cóng xīn

Lack the capacity to carry out one's wishes

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Strength does not follow the heart

**Traditional Chinese:** 力不從心

**Register:** Modest · general

[Effort & growth](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/effort)

## When to use it

Describe a gap between intention and ability.

Not the same as unwillingness.

## Understanding the expression

The heart wants to do something, but strength cannot carry the intention into action. Modern use describes limits caused by fatigue, age, resources, time, or skill. It can be a gentle explanation for declining help rather than an admission of indifference. The phrase recognizes that sincere desire has practical boundaries. Changing the task, sharing work, or obtaining support may reduce the gap between what someone wants and what they can manage.

## Examples

工作太多，我有些力不从心。

### Traditional Chinese

工作太多，我有些力不從心。

gōng zuò tài duō ， wǒ yǒu xiē lì bù cóng xīn 。

With too much work, I feel unable to keep up.

她想帮忙，却力不从心。

### Traditional Chinese

她想幫忙，卻力不從心。

tā xiǎng bāng máng ， què lì bù cóng xīn 。

She wants to help but lacks the capacity.

病后他照顾花园有些力不从心。

### Traditional Chinese

病後他照顧花園有些力不從心。

bìng hòu tā zhào gù huā yuán yǒu xiē lì bù cóng xīn 。

After illness, he struggles to maintain the garden.

分工以后，大家不再力不从心。

### Traditional Chinese

分工以後，大家不再力不從心。

fēn gōng yǐ hòu ， dà jiā bú zài lì bù cóng xīn 。

After sharing tasks, everyone can cope better.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%8A%9B%E4%B8%8D%E5%BE%9E%E5%BF%83)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=237&webMd=1&la=0)

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