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量力而为
量力而为
量力而为
量力而为
量力而为
量力而为
量力而为
量力而为

量力而为 — “To act within one's capabilities”

量力而为 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to act within one's capabilities”. To gauge one's strength and act accordingly; to do what one is capable of doing without overextending oneself. Literally, “Measure strength and act”.

Frequency

量力而为 Pronunciation and Pinyin

量力而为 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order
CharacterPinyinStrokesMeaning
量
liàng12measure, quantity, capacity
力
lì2physical strength or power
而
ér6and, but, then
为
wéi4to be or to do

Example Sentence with 量力而为

我们应该量力而为,不要承担超出自己能力范围的任务
We should act within our capabilities and not take on tasks that are beyond our ability.

Origin and Story of 量力而为

In 712 BC, Duke Zhuang of Zheng, using the pretext that Duke Zhuang of Xu had disregarded the orders of the Son of Heaven (the Zhou King), allied with the states of Qi and Lu to conquer the state of Xu.

When discussing how to handle Xu, Duke Li of Qi suggested that Lu should govern it, while Duke Yin of Lu proposed that Duke Zhuang of Zheng should take control.

Duke Zhuang of Zheng, acting according to his capabilities, divided Xu into two parts, east and west. The eastern part was placed under the governance of Xu Shu, Duke Zhuang of Xu's younger brother, and the western part was entrusted to Grand Master Gongsun Huo.

Idioms Related to 量力而为

Synonyms of 量力而为

  • liàng量lì力ér而xíng行act according to one's capabilities

Antonyms of 量力而为

  • lì力bù不cóng从xīn心willing but unable

More idioms starting with 量

  • liáng量tǐ体cái裁yī衣tailor to fit the body
  • liàng量rù入wéi为chū出live within one's means
  • liàng量rù入jì计chū出live within one's means
  • liàng量chū出wèi为rù入budget according to outgoings
  • liàng量chū出zhì制rù入budget based on anticipated expenses
  • liàng量záo凿zhèng正ruì枘act practically, adapt to circumstances
  • liàng量lì力duó度dé德assess one's virtue and capability
  • liàng量rú如jiāng江hǎi海extremely magnanimous and tolerant
  • liàng量xiǎo小lì力wēi微small in number and weak in strength
  • liàng量jǐ己shěn审fēn分assess oneself and reflect on duties
  • liàng量cái才qì器shǐ使appoint according to ability

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Questions about 量力而为

What does 量力而为 mean?

量力而为 (liàng lì ér wéi) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to act within one's capabilities”.

How do you pronounce 量力而为?

量力而为 is pronounced liàng lì ér wéi in Mandarin Chinese.

What does 量力而为 literally mean?

Literally, 量力而为 means “Measure strength and act”. It is used to mean “to act within one's capabilities”.

Where does 量力而为 come from?

量力而为 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.

What is the Chinese definition of 量力而为?

量:估量。按照自己力量的大小去做,不要勉强。

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