sam1 jau5 jyu4 ji4 lik6 bat1 zuk1心有餘而力不足心有余而力不足

Jyutpingsam1 jau5 jyu4 ji4 lik6 bat1 zuk1

Yalesām yáuh yùh yìh lihk bāt jūk

語句

Definition

Unable to do what one wishes to because of a lack of ability, strength, or resources.

neutralemotiondescriptions

How it's used

This idiom expresses a genuine sense of regret or helplessness when one's ambition exceeds their physical or practical capacity. It is often used to soften a refusal, signaling that the desire to assist is there but the actual ability is not. It carries a slightly formal or literary weight, so it is usually reserved for more serious or sincere explanations rather than casual excuses.

Examples

ngo5我soeng2想bong1幫nei5你，daan6但zan1真hai6係sam1心jau5有jyu4餘ji4而lik6力bat1不zuk1足。

I want to help you, but I really lack the strength to do so.

nei5你ji5以wai4為keoi5佢m4唔soeng2想zou6做me1咩？keoi5佢zi2只hai6係sam1心jau5有jyu4餘ji4而lik6力bat1不zuk1足aa4呀。

Do you think they don't want to do it? They just lack the capacity.

Common phrases

sam1深gam2感sam1心jau5有jyu4餘ji4而lik6力bat1不zuk1足

deeply feel that one's ability falls short of one's wishes

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a simple way to say "I am tired" or "I am busy." It specifically implies a mismatch between intent and capability, not just a lack of time or energy.