有气无力
you qi wu li
Weak; Spiritless
Bedeutung
Describes feeling faint, lacking energy, or speaking without enthusiasm.
The idiom '有气无力' (yǒu qì wú lì) literally translates to 'have breath, no strength.' It is a descriptive phrase used to convey a state of weakness, exhaustion, or lack of enthusiasm, often reflected in one's voice or demeanor. '有' (yǒu) means 'to have' or 'there is.' '气' (qì) in this context refers to 'breath,' 'air,' or 'vital energy.' It's a fundamental concept in traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy, often referring to life force or spirit. '无' (wú) means 'without' or 'no.' '力' (lì) means 'strength,' 'power,' or 'ability.' The phrase succinctly combines these elements to paint a picture of someone who has breath (is alive) but lacks strength, thereby appearing faint, weak, or spiritless. Its usage emphasizes an internal state of depletion that manifests externally. The idiom has been in use for centuries, appearing in classical Chinese literature and continuing its relevance in modern Mandarin. It's a vivid example of how Chinese idioms often use concise imagery to convey complex meanings.
