I intended/tried to but couldn't: V + 을래야... 을 수가 없다

V + 을래야... 을 수가 없다 is part of a structure that says you tried or intended to do something but did not succeed for some reason. Commonly found in speaking, the full pattern is:

• Give the reason first
• State the attempted/desired action before 을래야
• State the verb again before 을 수가 없다

너무 시끄러워서 잠이 들을래야 잠이 들 수가 없었어요.

It was too noisy so I tried to fall asleep but couldn't.

열차가 가득해서 자리에 앉을래야 앉을 수가 없었어요.

The train was crammed so though I wanted to sit down but couldn't.

음식이 너무 짜서 먹을래야 먹을 수가 없었어요.

The food was too salty so when I tried to eat it I couldn't.

마지막 버스를 놓쳐서 친구랑 만날래야 만날 수가 없었어요.

I wanted to meet my friend but I couldn't because I missed the last bus.

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