sam1 jau5 jyu4 ，lik6 bat1 zuk1心有餘，力不足心有余，力不足
Jyutpingsam1 jau5 jyu4 ，lik6 bat1 zuk1
Yalesām yáuh yyùh ，likh bāt jūk
Definition
The will is there, but not the strength (idiom, from Confucian Analects).; The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
Learn more on the YumCha blog
Search the dictionary
Dictionary data from CC-Canto and CC-CEDICT, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.