-(으)ㄹ래야 -(으)ㄹ 수가 없다
Used to emphasize that an action is impossible despite the speaker's intention or effort. More common in spoken language.
Summary
Equivalent
Even if I want to..., Can't... no matter how hard I try...
Also: -(으)려야 -(으)ㄹ 수가 없다 · 아무리 ~해도 ~할 수 없다
Example
I was so tired that I couldn't get up even if I wanted to.
너무 피곤해서 아침에 일어날래야 일어날 수가 없었어요.
Grammar rules
- It implies 'I have the will to do [X], but the circumstances make it impossible.' Replaces the standard '-(으)ㄹ 수 없다' to add a layer of frustration or emphasis.
Patterns
V (Verbs)
현재 (Present) · -(으)ㄹ래야 -(으)ㄹ 수가 없다
Example sentences
I was so tired that I couldn't get up even if I wanted to.
너무 피곤해서 아침에 일어날래야 일어날 수가 없었어요.
Prices have gone up so much lately that I can't save money even if I try.
요즘 물가가 너무 올라서 돈을 아껴 쓸래야 아껴 쓸 수가 없네요.
He doesn't work meticulously, so I can't trust and give him work even if I want to.
그 사람은 일을 꼼꼼하게 안 해서 믿고 맡길래야 맡길 수가 없어요.
Conversation
A: Why did you come back without eating any fruit?
왜 과일을 안 먹고 그냥 왔어요?
B: Unfortunately, I got an upset stomach on the first day, so I couldn't eat even if I wanted to.
하필 첫날 배탈이 나는 바람에 먹을래야 먹을 수가 없었어.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct 'impossible despite intention' phrase.
Unforgettable person.
Bad weather.