mou4 lik6無力无力
Jyutpingmou4 lik6
Yalemòuh lihk
Definition
To be unable to; lacking the ability, strength, or power to do something.
writtendescriptions
How it's used
Although written as two characters, this term is primarily used in formal or literary contexts rather than daily speech. In casual conversation, native speakers almost always prefer using 冇能力 or 搞唔掂 to express the same idea. It carries a slightly heavier, more serious tone often found in news reports or official announcements.
Examples
He is unable to afford such expensive tuition fees.
Facing this predicament, we are truly unable to solve it.
Related words
Common phrases
a sense of powerlessness
unable to save the situation
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this to mean physically weak or tired, but that is better expressed as 冇力氣 or 冇力.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
