Definition
This is a set phrase (成语) meaning 'the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak' — you genuinely want to do something but lack the physical strength, time, money, or ability to carry it out. It's used as a predicate (verb phrase) in sentences like 我想帮忙，但心有余而力不足. The literal breakdown is 'heart has surplus but strength is insufficient.'
v.p.
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 niánjì dà le, xiǎng zài pǎo mǎlāsōng, kěxī 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 juānkuǎn, dàn zuìjìn jīngjì kùnnan, 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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