心有余而力不足 (xīn yǒu yú ér lì bù zú) — to be willing but unable (to do something); the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
Definition
A chengyu meaning 'the spirit is willing but the power falls short' — used when you sincerely want to do something but lack the ability or resources.
verb
to be willing but unable (to do something)the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
Examples
- ，心有余而力不足。Wǒ xiǎng bāng nín, dàn zhēn shì xīn yǒu yú ér lì bù zú.I want to help you, but I really can't — the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.
- ，，心有余而力不足。Tā nián jì dà le, xiǎng zài pǎo mǎ lā sōng, kě xī xīn yǒu yú ér lì bù zú.He's old now and wants to run another marathon, but unfortunately he's willing but unable.
- ，，心有余而力不足。Wǒ yě xiǎng juān kuǎn, dàn zuì jìn jīng jì kùn nan, xīn yǒu yú ér lì bù zú a.I'd also like to donate, but I'm having financial difficulties lately — willing but unable.
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