lì力strengthbù不notcóng从followxīn心heart
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak; not having the ability to do what one wants to do.
Literal meaning
strength (力) — not (不) — follow (从) — heart (心)
Origin
A classical four-character phrase indicating a discrepancy between one's desires and capabilities.
Examples
wǒ我xiǎng想bāng帮zhù助tā他，dàn但shì是lì力bù不cóng从xīn心。
I want to help him, but I lack the ability to do so.
nián年jì纪dà大le了，hěn很duō多shì事qíng情dōu都lì力bù不cóng从xīn心le了。
Being old, I lack the strength to do many things.
Usage & nuances
Often used to express regret or frustration about one's limitations.
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