力不从心 (lì bù cóng xīn)

Character breakdown

• 力 (Lì) · 2 strokes

  Pictograph of a plow, which requires strength to operate.

• 不 (bù) · 4 strokes

  Pictograph of sepals of a flower. The modern meaning "no" is a phonetic loan.

• 从 (cóng) · 4 strokes

  Pictograph of one person following another.

• 心 (xīn) · 4 strokes

  Depicts a heart.

Usage

想帮忙但力不从心，很无奈。

I want to help but I'm just not up to it; it's frustrating.

Xiǎng bāng máng dàn lì bù cóng xīn, hěn wú nài.