Significado
Beyond one's capabilities.
Contexto cultural
In classic literature, this phrase often describes a 'superfluous man' (лишний человек) who finds the demands of society or morality beyond his strength. Russians are generally hard-working, but using 'не под силу' is a socially acceptable way to signal that a task is objectively impossible, avoiding personal blame. Russian fairy tales often feature tasks that are 'не под силу' for the older brothers but possible for Ivan the Fool through magic or kindness. There is a cultural value in knowing one's limits. Admitting something is 'не под силу' is seen as honesty rather than weakness in many traditional circles.
The Dative Trick
Always pair this phrase with 'Мне' (to me). If you say 'Я не под силу', Russians will understand you, but it sounds like you are saying 'I am not under strength' as a person, which is nonsensical.
Don't Overuse
If you use it for small things like 'opening a jar of pickles', it sounds like you are a character in a dramatic 19th-century novel. Use it for real challenges!
Significado
Beyond one's capabilities.
The Dative Trick
Always pair this phrase with 'Мне' (to me). If you say 'Я не под силу', Russians will understand you, but it sounds like you are saying 'I am not under strength' as a person, which is nonsensical.
Don't Overuse
If you use it for small things like 'opening a jar of pickles', it sounds like you are a character in a dramatic 19th-century novel. Use it for real challenges!
Past Tense Neuter
Remember: 'было' never changes to 'была' or 'были' here. It's always 'было не под силу'.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of the pronoun (Dative case).
___ (Я) не под силу поднять этот чемодан.
The phrase 'не под силу' requires the Dative case for the person.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct past tense usage:
In impersonal constructions, the verb 'быть' always takes the neuter singular form 'было'.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
Where would you most likely hear 'Это мне не под силу'?
'Не под силу' is used for significant physical or mental challenges.
Complete the dialogue.
— Ты сможешь выучить 50 новых иероглифов за час? — Нет, это мне явно ___.
'Не под силу' fits perfectly for an impossible learning task.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejercicios___ (Я) не под силу поднять этот чемодан.
The phrase 'не под силу' requires the Dative case for the person.
Select the correct past tense usage:
In impersonal constructions, the verb 'быть' always takes the neuter singular form 'было'.
Where would you most likely hear 'Это мне не под силу'?
'Не под силу' is used for significant physical or mental challenges.
— Ты сможешь выучить 50 новых иероглифов за час? — Нет, это мне явно ___.
'Не под силу' fits perfectly for an impossible learning task.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasBoth are correct! 'Не под силу' is slightly more common in literature, while 'не по силам' is very common in speech. They mean exactly the same thing.
Yes, but it implies the *effort* of earning or maintaining the cost is too much. For just 'expensive', use 'дорого' or 'не по карману'.
No, it's actually quite professional. It shows you are assessing the workload realistically.
The opposite is 'под силу' (within one's strength). For example: 'Эта задача мне под силу.'
It's a fixed prepositional phrase using the Accusative case after 'под'.
Yes, you can say 'Он мне не под силу' if you mean managing or dealing with that person is too much for you.
Not at all. It's used every day in news, business, and casual conversation.
No, that is a common mistake. The case is fixed as Accusative (силу).
Им это было не под силу.
Yes, 'не тяну' (I'm not pulling) is the most common slang equivalent.
Frases relacionadas
не по плечу
synonymToo much for one's status or shoulders.
не по зубам
similarToo tough to crack/solve.
через силу
builds onDoing something with great effort/unwillingly.
в силах
contrastTo be able to/have the power to.
посильный
specialized formManageable/within one's strength.
