I would if I could, but I can't so I won't.

[webmagnets]

How do I say (as literally as possible)?:

"I would if I could, but I can't so I won't."

p.s. - if there is a less literal phrase that means almost the same thing then I would love to hear that one too.

[Daan]

I'm not sure, but can I just chip in with 無能爲力 and ask others whether this would convey the same idea?

[skylee]

or 愛莫能助. or 有心無力.

[Daan]

Thanks skylee! How about 力不從心, by the way?

[HashiriKata]

or 心有余而力不足, which is similar to 有心無力 and 力不從心 above.

[Daan]

(I know you asked for as literal a translation as possible, webmagnets, but I think it would be really hard to come up with one, which is why I posted my suggestions anyway. Hope you don't mind!)

[chrix]

yes, 愛莫能助 was the one I thought of too, because it so nicely captures the desire of the speaker to help despite their incapability to do so