webmagnets Posted December 18, 2009 at 03:27 AM Report Share Posted December 18, 2009 at 03:27 AM How do I say (as literally as possible)?: "I would if I could, but I can't so I won't." p.s. - if there is a less literal phrase that means almost the same thing then I would love to hear that one too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daan Posted December 18, 2009 at 08:05 AM Report Share Posted December 18, 2009 at 08:05 AM I'm not sure, but can I just chip in with 無能爲力 and ask others whether this would convey the same idea? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skylee Posted December 18, 2009 at 08:12 AM Report Share Posted December 18, 2009 at 08:12 AM or 愛莫能助. or 有心無力. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daan Posted December 18, 2009 at 08:28 AM Report Share Posted December 18, 2009 at 08:28 AM Thanks skylee! How about 力不從心, by the way? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HashiriKata Posted December 18, 2009 at 08:30 AM Report Share Posted December 18, 2009 at 08:30 AM or 心有余而力不足, which is similar to 有心無力 and 力不從心 above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daan Posted December 18, 2009 at 04:38 PM Report Share Posted December 18, 2009 at 04:38 PM (I know you asked for as literal a translation as possible, webmagnets, but I think it would be really hard to come up with one, which is why I posted my suggestions anyway. Hope you don't mind!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrix Posted December 18, 2009 at 04:40 PM Report Share Posted December 18, 2009 at 04:40 PM yes, 愛莫能助 was the one I thought of too, because it so nicely captures the desire of the speaker to help despite their incapability to do so Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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