posted by zjv5002 on August 31, 2012 | 1 comments
I learned 无能为力 from "The State Bowling Champion" episode. Recently I ran across 爱莫能助 on TV and the dictionary definition and usage seemed the same.

Any notable distinctions between these two?

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Echo on September 3, 2012 | reply
@zjv5002,

About the meanings, both of these two words have the meaning of "can not help". However, 爱莫能助 has the meaning that you are willing to help. 无能为力 doesn't have that.

--Echo

echo@popupchinese.com