忠孝不能兩全
zhōng​xiào​bù​néng​liǎng​quán

loyalty and filial piety are incompatible

  1. 忠孝 zhōng​xiào
    loyal and filial
    to be loyal to one's country and filial to one's parents
  2. 不能 bù​néng auxiliary
    cannot
    To be unable to; to be incapable of doing something due to external circumstances or lack of ability
  3. 两全 兩全 liǎng​quán
    to satisfy both sides
    to have regard for both sides; to satisfy two different demands or parties at once so that neither is neglected or damaged