Cannot even if I try

This pattern expresses the inability to do something despite one's intention or effort. It emphasizes a feeling of internal conflict or helplessness.

Meaning & Usage

Meaning: "I can't... even if I try/want to," or "I can't help...-ing."

Structure: It's a combination of -(으)려고 해야 (even if one intends to...) and -(으)ㄹ 수가 없다 (cannot...). The first part is contracted to -(으)래야.

Key Point: The same verb is used in both parts of the pattern.

Formation

Attach -(으)래야 to the verb stem, followed by the same verb with -(으)ㄹ 수가 없다.

Vowel stem + -래야:

가다 (to go) → 갈래야 갈 수가 없다

보다 (to see) → 볼래야 볼 수가 없다

Consonant stem + -으래야:

먹다 (to eat) → 먹을래야 먹을 수가 없다

믿다 (to believe) → 믿을래야 믿을 수가 없다

Two Common Scenarios

Trying to do something, but failing: [Verb]-(으)래야 [Verb]-(으)ㄹ 수가 없다.

잊을래야 잊을 수가 없어. (I try to forget, but I can't.)

Trying not to do something, but failing (can't help it): 안 [Verb]-(으)래야 안 [Verb]-(으)ㄹ 수가 없다.

안 먹을래야 안 먹을 수가 없어. (I try not to eat, but I can't help eating.)

미워할래야 미워할 수가 없어. / 안 먹을래야 안 먹을 수가 없어. / 잠을 잘래야 잘 수가 없어.

This pattern is more than just a simple statement of inability. It's used to add emotional weight and emphasize an internal struggle.

Simple Inability vs. Internal Struggle

Simple: 잠을 잘 수 없어. (I can't sleep.) This is a neutral statement of fact.

Emphatic: 잠을 잘래야 잘 수가 없어. (I try to sleep, but I just can't.) This highlights the effort and frustration. The speaker wants to sleep but is unable to.

Common Contexts

This pattern is often used for situations driven by strong feelings, temptations, or unavoidable circumstances.