量力而行
Act according to one's ability
Literalmente: Measure (量) strength (力) and (而) act (行)
Use this to advise someone (or yourself) to be realistic about what they can actually handle.
Em 15 segundos
- Assess your capacity before taking action.
- Don't overextend your resources or energy.
- A wise reminder to stay within your limits.
Significado
It is a piece of advice to stay within your limits. It means assessing your own strength or resources before committing to something so you don't overextend yourself.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Advising a friend about a heavy workout
健身很重要，但也要量力而行，别受伤了。
Working out is important, but act according to your ability; don't get hurt.
Discussing a company's expansion plan
我们的资金有限，这次投资必须量力而行。
Our funds are limited; we must act according to our capacity for this investment.
Texting a friend who is overworking
工作永远做不完，你要量力而行啊。
Work is never-ending, you need to stay within your limits.
Contexto cultural
The phrase originates from the 'Zuo Zhuan', a narrative history from the Spring and Autumn period. It reflects a traditional Chinese philosophical emphasis on 'Zhongyong' or the Golden Mean—avoiding extremes and staying within one's capacity to ensure long-term success.
The 'Polite Refusal' Hack
Use this phrase to decline a request for help or money without sounding rude. It shifts the reason from 'I don't want to' to 'I physically/financially can't.'
Don't Kill the Vibe
Avoid using this when someone is sharing an ambitious dream. It can come off as pessimistic or like you're doubting their potential.
Em 15 segundos
- Assess your capacity before taking action.
- Don't overextend your resources or energy.
- A wise reminder to stay within your limits.
What It Means
Think of 量力而行 as your internal reality check. It is about knowing your limits. It means assessing your resources before jumping in. You check your energy, money, or skills first. Then, you decide how to act. It is the opposite of biting off more than you can chew. It is practical and grounded.
How To Use It
You can use it as a verb phrase. It often follows a suggestion or a plan. You might say, "We should 量力而行." It works well when discussing budgets or workloads. It is a gentle way to say "don't overdo it." You can use it for yourself or others. It sounds wise and responsible.
When To Use It
Use it when a friend wants to run a marathon without training. Use it in business when a project seems too big. It is perfect for charity or helping others. You want to help, but you must stay healthy. It is great for spicy food challenges too! If the chili looks scary, 量力而行 is your best friend.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it to discourage someone's dreams. It can sound a bit like "you aren't good enough." Avoid it if someone is already mid-crisis. They need help, not a lecture on limits. Do not use it for very tiny, easy tasks. Saying it about brushing your teeth sounds sarcastic. It is for significant efforts or risks.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the ancient text Zuo Zhuan. Chinese culture values balance and harmony. Overreaching is seen as a path to failure. It is better to succeed at a small task than fail at a huge one. It reflects a Confucian focus on self-awareness. It is about being honest with yourself.
Common Variations
A common partner phrase is 尽力而为. That means "do your best." While 量力而行 focuses on the limit, 尽力而为 focuses on the effort. You often hear them together. Another variation is 力所能及. This describes things already within your power. Use 量力而行 when you are still deciding.
Notas de uso
The phrase is highly versatile across all registers. The only 'gotcha' is the tone; ensure it sounds like advice or a personal boundary rather than a judgment of someone else's limitations.
The 'Polite Refusal' Hack
Use this phrase to decline a request for help or money without sounding rude. It shifts the reason from 'I don't want to' to 'I physically/financially can't.'
Don't Kill the Vibe
Avoid using this when someone is sharing an ambitious dream. It can come off as pessimistic or like you're doubting their potential.
Wisdom vs. Laziness
In China, this isn't seen as an excuse to be lazy. It's seen as the 'wisdom of the sustainable.' It's better to work at 80% forever than 110% for a week and burn out.
Exemplos
6健身很重要，但也要量力而行，别受伤了。
Working out is important, but act according to your ability; don't get hurt.
Used here as a cautionary piece of advice for physical safety.
我们的资金有限，这次投资必须量力而行。
Our funds are limited; we must act according to our capacity for this investment.
Professional context focusing on financial limits.
工作永远做不完，你要量力而行啊。
Work is never-ending, you need to stay within your limits.
Shows concern for a friend's well-being.
这里的菜很多，大家量力而行，别浪费。
There is a lot of food here; everyone eat according to your capacity, don't waste.
A humorous but practical use regarding stomach capacity.
我很想多捐一点，但我只能量力而行。
I really want to donate more, but I can only do what I am able to.
A polite way to set boundaries regarding money.
请大家在量力而行的基础上，积极参与志愿者活动。
Please actively participate in volunteer activities on the basis of acting according to your ability.
Used as a formal qualifier to encourage participation without pressure.
Teste-se
Choose the correct phrase to complete the advice about a marathon.
虽然马拉松很有挑战性，但你一定要___，不要勉强。
The sentence warns 'not to force it' (不要勉强), so '量力而行' (act according to ability) is the perfect fit.
Complete the business context regarding a budget.
创业初期，我们应该___，控制好成本。
In the early stages of a startup, acting within your means to control costs is the logical choice.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality Spectrum of '量力而行'
Used with friends about eating or exercise.
吃自助餐要量力而行。
Common daily advice for work or life.
工作要量力而行。
Used in official speeches or business strategy.
企业发展应量力而行。
When to say '量力而行'
Financial Budgeting
Buying a house
Physical Limits
Lifting heavy weights
Workload
Taking on new projects
Charity
Donating money or time
Eating
Spicy food or buffets
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNot exactly a compliment, but it describes a person as 'steady' or 'mature' (稳重). It suggests they are not impulsive.
Yes! If your child wants to carry a heavy bag, you can say 量力而行 to teach them to be realistic about their strength.
量力而行 is about setting the boundary before you start. 尽力而为 is about giving 100% effort once you have started.
It's perfectly fine for texting. It is a very common idiom that doesn't feel 'stiff' in a casual chat.
Absolutely. It's a common joke at hotpot restaurants: 吃辣要量力而行 (Eat spicy food according to your ability).
It can if your tone is condescending. However, usually, it sounds like genuine concern for the other person's well-being.
Not really. It's a four-character idiom (chengyu), and these are almost always used in their full form.
Yes, if asked about managing stress, you could say you know how to 量力而行 to ensure high-quality work without burnout.
Using it to describe something that requires no effort. You only use it for things that actually test your limits.
While it is ancient, it is used daily in modern China. It is not 'Shakespearean' or outdated at all.
Frases relacionadas
尽力而为
Do one's best
力所能及
Within one's power
适可而止
Stop before going too far
好高骛远
Reach for what is beyond one's grasp (negative)
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