心有余力不足(xīn yǒu yú lì bù zú)

心有余力不足(xīn yǒu yú lì bù zú)

English Translation: “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Meaning:
This can be used when you are willing but unable to do something. It shows that one’s heart or intentions may be strong, but physical or external limitations make it hard to succeed.

Example:
我想帮忙，但年纪大了，心有余力不足，做不了很多事情。
(I want to help, but I am old, and “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak,” so I can’t do much.)

Source: Hello Mandarin