～てしょうがないExtremely, Very, Really, It can't be helped

てしょうがない, is a common colloquial expression used when '(A) cannot be helped', or something is 'extremely (A)'. This structure is simply an abbreviated version of 仕様(しよう), a noun meaning 'way' or 'method', as しょう is easier to say than しよう. Literally, the meaning is close to 'it's (A), and nothing can be done about it'. Generally, this just implies that the extent of (A) is so high that it cannot be overlooked, or cannot be avoided.

This structure may be seen following the て-form of verbs, い-Adjectives, of the で-from of な-Adjectives.

Alternatively, 仕方(しかた)がない may be used, but there is an extremely small difference between these two structures, with the noun 仕方(しかた) also meaning 'way' or 'method'. Traditionally, 仕方(しかた)がない is perceived to be slightly more polite, so may be more likely to be found in literature.