諺語 · a single proverb
力所能及
What does 力所能及 (lì suǒ néng jí) mean?
力所能及 (lì suǒ néng jí) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語). Word for word it reads "within the reach of one's strength." In use it means: Doing what you can with what you have; the practical wisdom of acting within your actual capacity rather than overreaching. You reach for it when you want that idea in one breath, and the Earth note it carries is why we hand it to those born in the Year of the Ox.
Literally: "within the reach of one's strength."
The reading
The list of things you cannot do is infinite. The list of things you can do right now, with the resources you have, is finite and concrete. Working from the second list is not settling. It is the difference between building something and imagining something.
What kind of proverb it is
Source Common literary expression; practical Confucian ethic
Sits beside
Keep reading
Return to the Proverb Pond to draw another of the eighty-seven, or hear one read aloud. Read the rest of its chapter in Wealth, Work & Diligence, or follow the years these lines belong to: Year of the Ox, Year of the Rat, and Year of the Tiger.
Questions
Is 力所能及 a real Chinese proverb?
Yes. 力所能及 (lì suǒ néng jí) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語), and it comes from Common literary expression; practical Confucian ethic. It is living Chinese heritage, given here with per-character pinyin and its source so you can trust the line, not a phrase invented in English.
How do you pronounce 力所能及?
In Mandarin it is lì suǒ néng jí. Read the pinyin above each character to follow the tones, or press the speaker beside the calligraphy to hear your browser read 力所能及 aloud in Mandarin.