今非昔比 实在是有心无力呀
“that times have changed. We truly can't afford it.”
THE DIALOGUE REEL
只是
“It's just”
今非昔比 实在是 有心无力 呀
“that times have changed. We truly can't afford it.”
别说伙计工钱了
“Let alone the workers' wages,”
“Times are tough and I cannot afford to help you or pay what I used to.”
In Chinese communication, declining a request directly can cause loss of face; claiming that one has the heart (心) but lacks the objective ability (力) preserves both sides' dignity.
LEARNING CHUNKS & PARTICLES
the present cannot be compared to the past
A set phrase used to emphasize a drastic change in conditions, often implying decline or hardship.
willing but unable / the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
A polite, standard diplomatic formula for refusing an appeal while preserving warmth and goodwill.
Softens the refusal while conveying an audible sigh of helplessness and distress.
VOCABULARY & EXPRESSIONS
Parallel Spoken Cinema Scenes (语义近邻切片)
“I haven't seen you for a while. You've really improved.”
“Times are different now.”
“Things are really different now?”
“Times have changed.”
“Times have changed.”