Table of Contents

bù zì liàng lì: 不自量力 - To Overestimate One's Own Abilities, To Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

Quick Summary

Core Meaning

Character Breakdown

When combined, the characters literally translate to “not measure one's own strength.” This creates a clear and direct meaning: someone who acts without first taking a realistic inventory of their own capabilities, leading to a foolish or reckless undertaking.

Cultural Context and Significance

Practical Usage in Modern China

Example Sentences

Nuances and Common Mistakes