Meanings of 力所能及
By ear
Play it, then pick what 力所能及 means.
About 力所能及
Podcast: 力所能及
Podcast: 力所能及
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 力所能及
能力所及 (nénglì suǒ jí) — choose 力所能及 when emphasizing the limits of one's effort rather than just ability.
This idiom is often used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing efforts or contributions. A common mistake is to use it in an absolute sense; remember that it implies a personal limitation rather than a universal standard.
As an HSK 6 idiom, 力所能及 connects with other expressions related to capability and effort. Students should focus on understanding how to use it in context and to distinguish it from similar idioms that imply different levels of ability.
Learners often mistakenly use 力所能及 in situations where they mean to express ambition rather than limitation. For instance, saying 'I will do everything 力所能及' should be corrected to 'I will do everything I can.'
Pronunciation of 力所能及
Drill the tone of 力所能及, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 力所能及 to you
Let me explain 力所能及 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 力所能及 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 力所能及?
Learning Lab
Knowing 力所能及 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Idiom spotlight: 力所能及
Component characters
How to say as far as one's capabilities extend (idiom); to the best of one's ability in Chinese
“as far as one's capabilities extend (idiom); to the best of one's ability” in Chinese is力所能及
The idiom 力所能及 (lì suǒ néng jí) refers to doing something to the best of one's ability or within one's capabilities. It emphasizes the limitations of one's power or resources, indicating that one should act according to what is feasible for them.
When to use 力所能及
This idiom is often used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing efforts or contributions. A common mistake is to use it in an absolute sense; remember that it implies a personal limitation rather than a universal standard.
力所能及 or something close to it
能力所及 (nénglì suǒ jí) — choose 力所能及 when emphasizing the limits of one's effort rather than just ability.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 力所能及 in situations where they mean to express ambition rather than limitation. For instance, saying 'I will do everything 力所能及' should be corrected to 'I will do everything I can.'
Write 力所能及
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 力所能及 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 力所能及?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Cultural Notes for 力所能及
In Western cultures, there is often a focus on maximizing potential, while in Chinese culture, acknowledging one's limitations is equally important.
Frequently asked questions about 力所能及
Yes, it is appropriate to use this idiom in business discussions to indicate what you can realistically accomplish.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 力所能及?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.