Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To gauge one's own strength or ability: To make a realistic assessment of one's own physical or mental capacity before undertaking a task or challenge.
   • To know one's limits: To understand and act within the boundaries of one's own capabilities, often implying prudence and self-awareness.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Trước khi nhận việc, anh ta nên lượng sức mình. (Before accepting the job, he should gauge his own ability.)
  • Chúng tôi lượng sức không thể chiến thắng đội đó nên đã rút lui. (We knew our limits and realized we couldn't defeat that team, so we withdrew.)
  • Hãy lượng sức khi mang vác đồ nặng. (Know your limits when carrying heavy objects.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is inherently reflexive, almost always involving the self ("lượng sức mình"). It emphasizes introspection and honest self-evaluation.
• It often carries a connotation of wisdom and avoiding overcommitment or reckless action.

Variants and Related Words

• Tự lượng sức: A reinforced form meaning "to gauge one's own strength."
  • Cậu ấy biết tự lượng sức nên không tham gia cuộc thi. (He knew how to gauge his own strength, so he didn't join the competition.)

Synonyms

• To assess one's capability: To evaluate one's own ability.
• To know one's own limits: To be aware of one's boundaries.
• To measure one's strength: To gauge one's own power or capacity.

Related Idioms

• Biết người biết ta, trăm trận trăm thắng: (Know the enemy and know yourself, and you can fight a hundred battles without defeat.) This proverb shares the theme of self-assessment found in "lượng sức."
• Liệu cơm gắp mắm: (Measure the rice to take the appropriate amount of fish sauce.) This idiom means to act according to one's means or circumstances, closely related to the concept of "lượng sức."