无力
How to Understand
无力 (wú lì) means 'powerless' or 'without strength.' It describes a state of lacking the ability, energy, or authority to act or influence a situation. Unlike 'weak,' which can refer to physical strength, 无力 often carries a more abstract or emotional connotation.
The character 无 (wú) means 'without,' and 力 (lì) means 'strength' or 'power.' Together, they literally translate to 'without strength,' emphasizing a lack of capacity to take action or effect change.
无力 is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. For example, it might describe someone who feels emotionally overwhelmed or a government that lacks the authority to solve a crisis. It’s also found in idioms and proverbs that reflect cultural values around responsibility and capability.