It refers to actions or tasks that fall comfortably within the boundaries of what an individual is capable of doing.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Within the scope of one's own physical or mental ability.
- Describes manageable tasks that do not require excessive effort.
- Commonly used when offering help or assigning reasonable responsibilities.
Overview
- 1概述：“力所能及”是一个经典的汉语成语，字面意思为“力量所能达到的”。它在现代汉语中被广泛应用，用来界定个人行动的边界。它不仅仅指体力上的能力，也涵盖了智力、财力、社会资源等各个方面的可能性。2) 用法模式：该词最常见的用法是作为定语，修饰名词，如“力所能及的事情”或“力所能及的帮助”。此外，它也可以充当谓语，说明某项任务是否在能力范围之内。例如：“这件事是我力所能及的。” 3) 常见语境：在家庭教育中，父母常要求孩子做一些“力所能及的家务”以培养责任感；在社会公益中，媒体常号召大众为弱势群体提供“力所能及的捐助”；在职场合作中，它常作为一种礼貌的承诺，表示愿意在不超负荷的前提下提供协助。4) 近义词比较：与“尽力而为”相比，“力所能及”更强调“能力范围”这一客观事实，而“尽力而为”则侧重于“付出努力”的主观态度。与“量力而行”相比，“力所能及”通常带有更积极的色彩，鼓励人们在能力范围内多做贡献，而“量力而行”则往往带有一种谨慎和提醒的意味。
Examples
在家里，我会帮父母做一些力所能及的家务活。
everydayAt home, I help my parents with some chores within my ability.
本机构将为受灾群众提供力所能及的医疗援助。
formalOur organization will provide medical assistance within our power to the disaster victims.
别担心，只要是我力所能及的，我一定帮。
informalDon't worry, as long as it's within my power, I will definitely help.
学者应在力所能及的范围内，确保研究数据的准确性。
academicScholars should ensure the accuracy of research data within the scope of their capabilities.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
尽力而为
do one's best
量力而行
act according to one's capability
力不从心
ability falling short of one's wishes
Often Confused With
Jinli erwei emphasizes the 'effort' put in, regardless of the outcome, while Lisuonengji emphasizes the 'boundary' of what one can actually do.
Liangli erxing is often a piece of advice to be cautious and not overreach, whereas Lisuonengji is often a description of available capacity.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and versatile, suitable for both spoken and written Chinese. It functions primarily as an adjective (attributive) or a predicate. It carries a sense of modesty and reliability, often used to manage expectations while showing a cooperative spirit.
Common Mistakes
A common error is using it as an adverb (e.g., '力所能及地工作'). While understandable, it is much more idiomatic to say '做力所能及的工作'. Another mistake is using it for tasks that are obviously impossible, which contradicts the meaning of 'being able to reach'.
Tips
Using it to show polite willingness
When someone asks for a favor you aren't 100% sure about, saying '我会提供力所能及的帮助' sounds helpful yet realistic.
Avoid using it for impossible tasks
Do not use this word if the task is clearly beyond your skill level; it implies the task is actually achievable for you.
Modesty in Chinese culture
Using this phrase reflects the Chinese cultural value of being helpful while remaining humble about one's own capabilities.
Word Origin
Derived from the 'Book of Jin' (晋书), an official history covering the Jin Dynasty. It was used to describe managing affairs according to one's capacity.
Cultural Context
In Chinese society, offering 'Lisuonengji' help is considered a virtue. It strikes a balance between the Confucian ideal of helping others and the practical wisdom of not overextending oneself to the point of failure.
Memory Tip
Break it down: 'Li' (Strength) + 'Suo' (That which) + 'Neng' (Can) + 'Ji' (Reach). It literally means 'That which your strength can reach'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions不是的。它也可以形容智力、财力、时间或任何资源方面的能力范围。例如“提供力所能及的经济援助”。
非常常用。无论是在正式的演讲、书面报告，还是日常的家庭对话中，它都是一个非常得体且自然的表达。
“力所能及”通常修饰事物（如：力所能及的事），而“量力而行”通常作为动词短语，建议某人根据能力来行动。
没有，它是一个中性偏褒义的词语，通常体现了一个人务实且愿意负责的态度。
Test Yourself
每个公民都应该为环保做一些___的小事。
此处强调在个人能力范围内能做的小事，“力所能及”最符合语境。
选择错误的句子：
“力所能及”通常不作为状语修饰动词（如：力所能及地完成），更常用作定语或谓语。
提供 / 帮助 / 我 / 会 / 力所能及 / 的 / 你 / 给
“我会给你提供力所能及的帮助”是语法最标准、语感最自然的表达方式。
Score: /3
Summary
It refers to actions or tasks that fall comfortably within the boundaries of what an individual is capable of doing.
- Within the scope of one's own physical or mental ability.
- Describes manageable tasks that do not require excessive effort.
- Commonly used when offering help or assigning reasonable responsibilities.
Using it to show polite willingness
When someone asks for a favor you aren't 100% sure about, saying '我会提供力所能及的帮助' sounds helpful yet realistic.
Avoid using it for impossible tasks
Do not use this word if the task is clearly beyond your skill level; it implies the task is actually achievable for you.
Modesty in Chinese culture
Using this phrase reflects the Chinese cultural value of being helpful while remaining humble about one's own capabilities.
Examples
4 of 4在家里，我会帮父母做一些力所能及的家务活。
At home, I help my parents with some chores within my ability.
本机构将为受灾群众提供力所能及的医疗援助。
Our organization will provide medical assistance within our power to the disaster victims.
别担心，只要是我力所能及的，我一定帮。
Don't worry, as long as it's within my power, I will definitely help.
学者应在力所能及的范围内，确保研究数据的准确性。
Scholars should ensure the accuracy of research data within the scope of their capabilities.
Related Content
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More daily_life words
朝九晚五
B2From nine to five; regular working hours.
废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
B2Abundant; ample.
充沛
B2Abundant; plentiful; full of energy.
门禁卡
B2Access card; entry card.
门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.
