Processing keyword: ～まい (〜mai)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～まい (〜mai)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～まい (〜mai) is a suffix used in Japanese to express strong negative intentions or conjectures. It often translates to "will not," "won't," "shall not," or "probably not" in English. This form is more formal and is commonly found in written language, literature, or formal speeches.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• Expressing Negative Intention: The speaker has a strong determination not to do something.
• Expressing Negative Conjecture: The speaker believes that something is probably not the case.

Structure

The formation of ～まい depends on the type of verb:

Verb Conjugation with ～まい

Verb Type	Verb Form	+ ～まい	Meaning
Godan Verbs	Dictionary Form	行くまい	"will not go"
Ichidan Verbs	Stem + まい	食べまい	"will not eat"
Special Verbs	する → するまい 来る → 来るまい	するまい 来るまい	"will not do" "will not come"

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Formation Diagram

For clarity, here's how to form ～まい with different verbs:

[Verb Dictionary Form] + まい
Examples:
行く + まい → 行くまい
食べる (Ichidan Verb) Stem: 食べ → 食べ + まい → 食べまい
する → するまい
来る → 来るまい

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3. Comparative Analysis

～ない vs. ～まい

• ～ない is the plain negative form of verbs, used in everyday conversation.
  • Example: 行かない - "do not go"
• ～まい is more formal and expresses a strong determination or conjecture.
  • Example: 行くまい - "will not go" (strong intention)

～ないだろう vs. ～まい

• Both can express conjecture, but ～まい is more formal and emphatic.
  • 雨は降らないだろう - "It probably won't rain."
  • 雨は降るまい - "It will not rain." (stronger belief)

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Negative Intention (Formal)
   • 日本にはもう二度と行くまい。
     • Nihon ni wa mou nidoto iku mai.
     • "I will never go to Japan again."
2. Negative Conjecture
   • 彼は真実を話すまい。
     • Kare wa shinjitsu wo hanasu mai.
     • "He probably won't tell the truth."
3. Using Ichidan Verb
   • 彼女はこの料理を食べまい。
     • Kanojo wa kono ryouri wo tabe mai.
     • "She will not eat this dish."
4. Special Verb: する
   • そんな無礼なことはするまい。
     • Sonna burei na koto wa suru mai.
     • "I will not do such a rude thing."
5. First-person Singular Intention
   • 私は諦めるまいと決心した。
     • Watashi wa akirameru mai to kesshin shita.
     • "I resolved not to give up."

Context Variations

• Formal Written
  • この秘密は誰にも明かすまい。
    • "I will not reveal this secret to anyone."
• Literary
  • 運命には逆らえまい。
    • "One cannot defy fate."

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5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• ～まい is considered formal and is often used in written language, literature, and formal speeches.
• Rarely used in everyday conversation; using it in casual speech may sound unnatural or overly serious.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 泣くまいと思っていたが、涙が出てしまった。
  • Naku mai to omotte ita ga, namida ga dete shimatta.
  • "I was determined not to cry, but tears came out."

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using ～まい in Casual Conversation
   • Incorrect: 明日は行かまい。 (Sounds unnatural in casual speech)
   • Correction: 明日は行かない。 ("I won't go tomorrow.")
2. Incorrect Verb Form
   • Mistake: Using stem form for godan verbs.
     • 飲みまい (Incorrect for godan verb 飲む)
   • Correction: Use dictionary form + まい.
     • 飲むまい ("will not drink")

Tips

• Remember Verb Types: Know whether a verb is godan or ichidan to conjugate correctly.
• Formality Check: Use ～まい in formal contexts; stick to ～ない in casual settings.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～まい expresses strong negative intention or conjecture.
• Used primarily in formal or written Japanese.
• Formed by adding まい to the dictionary form of verbs.
• Be mindful of verb types when conjugating.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you express "I will not eat" using ～まい?
   • Answer: 食べまい
2. Is ～まい commonly used in everyday conversation?
   • Answer: No, it's more formal and used in written or formal contexts.
3. Convert the following sentence using ～まい: 彼は来ないでしょう。
   • Answer: 彼は来るまい。

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By understanding and practicing ～まい, you'll enhance your ability to express formal negative intentions and conjectures in Japanese.

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