乏力

fálì

HSK 7

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word "乏力" (fálì) describes a state of lacking strength or energy, often translated as "weakness" or "fatigue." It is commonly used to express physical exhaustion or a general feeling of being drained.

Common Contexts

"乏力" is frequently used in medical or health-related contexts to describe symptoms of tiredness or weakness. It can also appear in everyday situations where someone feels too weak to perform normal activities.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 乏力 (feeling of weakness): used to describe the sensation of lacking strength.
  • 感到乏力 (to feel weak): a common phrase to express experiencing fatigue.
  • 极度乏力 (extreme weakness): emphasizes a severe level of exhaustion.

Usage Notes

When using "乏力," speakers often imply a noticeable reduction in physical capability. It is more formal and descriptive than casual expressions like "" (tired). Avoid confusing "乏力" with "无力," which can also mean powerless but sometimes carries a more figurative or emotional sense.

Summary

"乏力" is a useful term to describe physical weakness or fatigue in both everyday and medical contexts. It helps convey a clear sense of lacking energy or strength.

Example Sentences

他感到非常乏力,连走路都困难。

Tā gǎndào fēicháng fálì, lián zǒulù dōu kùnnán.

He feels very weak and even walking is difficult.

连续工作几小时后,我开始感到乏力。

Liánxù gōngzuò jǐ xiǎoshí hòu, wǒ kāishǐ gǎndào fálì.

After working for several hours straight, I began to feel fatigued.

这场比赛让运动员们感到极度乏力。

Zhè chǎng bǐsài ràng yùndòngyuán men gǎndào jídù fálì.

This match made the athletes feel extremely exhausted.