It describes a state of lacking physical strength or vitality, whether due to health or lack of momentum.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe physical exhaustion or weakness.
- Can metaphorically describe a lack of momentum.
- Commonly used in medical and professional contexts.
1) 概述：乏力是一个形容词，由“乏”（缺乏）和“力”（力气/力量）组成。它既可以描述生理上的疲惫不堪，也可以描述心理上的无助或事物发展缺乏动力。
2) 用法模式：在句中通常作谓语（如：我感到全身乏力）或定语（如：乏力的表现）。它常与“感到”、“觉得”、“表现出”等动词连用。
3) 常见语境：主要用于描述健康状况（如感冒、贫血导致的乏力）、高强度劳动后的疲劳，以及金融或政策语境中表示市场缺乏活力（如：市场走势乏力）。
4) 近义词辨析：与“疲惫”相比，“乏力”更侧重于“没有力气”这一结果，而“疲惫”侧重于“劳累”的过程；与“无力”相比，“乏力”多用于身体状态，而“无力”适用范围更广，常用于表示能力不足或客观条件限制。
Examples
我最近总是感到全身乏力。
everydayI have been feeling weak all over recently.
由于缺乏资金，该项目的发展显得乏力。
formalDue to lack of funds, the project's development seems sluggish.
跑完步后，双腿乏力。
informalMy legs felt weak after running.
市场需求增长乏力。
academicMarket demand growth is sluggish.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
后劲乏力
lack of stamina
心有余而力不足
the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
乏力感
a sense of weakness
Often Confused With
Refers more to being exhausted or weary from long-term work or stress.
Refers to a state of being physically frail or having low immunity.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is versatile and used in both medical and business settings. It is neither overly formal nor slang. When used for people, it usually implies a temporary state of weakness.
Common Mistakes
Students often use it to mean 'lazy', but it strictly refers to physical strength. Do not use it to describe personality traits or character.
Tips
Use with physical verbs
Pair it with verbs like 感到 (feel) or 觉得 (think) to describe your current physical state clearly.
Do not confuse with tired
While related to being tired, 乏力 specifically emphasizes the lack of strength rather than just the need for sleep.
Medical context usage
In Chinese medicine, 乏力 is a standard term used to describe a lack of Qi or general vitality.
Word Origin
Derived from the combination of 'lacking' and 'strength', reflecting the loss of physical capacity.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, describing oneself as '乏力' is a common way to signal to others that you need rest or are unwell without being overly dramatic.
Memory Tip
Imagine a battery icon with no power left. 'Fa' (lack) + 'Li' (strength) = Battery empty.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“乏力”多指身体没劲儿，侧重生理感受；“无力”含义更广，既可以指身体没力气，也可以指主观能力不足或客观条件受限。
通常不直接形容心情，但可以形容因心情低落导致的“精神乏力”。
最常用于医生问诊描述病情，或者在新闻报道中形容股市、经济增长缺乏动力。
它既可用于口语，也常出现在书面语中，属于中性词。
Test Yourself
工作了一整天，他感到全身___。
因为工作劳累导致没有力气，所以用乏力。
Score: /1
Summary
It describes a state of lacking physical strength or vitality, whether due to health or lack of momentum.
- Used to describe physical exhaustion or weakness.
- Can metaphorically describe a lack of momentum.
- Commonly used in medical and professional contexts.
Use with physical verbs
Pair it with verbs like 感到 (feel) or 觉得 (think) to describe your current physical state clearly.
Do not confuse with tired
While related to being tired, 乏力 specifically emphasizes the lack of strength rather than just the need for sleep.
Medical context usage
In Chinese medicine, 乏力 is a standard term used to describe a lack of Qi or general vitality.
Examples
4 of 4我最近总是感到全身乏力。
I have been feeling weak all over recently.
由于缺乏资金，该项目的发展显得乏力。
Due to lack of funds, the project's development seems sluggish.
跑完步后，双腿乏力。
My legs felt weak after running.
市场需求增长乏力。
Market demand growth is sluggish.
