Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
Noun ではあるまいし (~dewa aru maishi)

Noun ではあるまいし (~dewa aru maishi)

Short explanation:

Use this phrase to mean 'it's not as if', 'it's not that'.

Formation:

Noun + ではあるまいし

Examples:

彼女は、プロの歌手ではあるまいし、完璧を求めるな。
Kanojo wa, puro no kashu de wa arumai shi, kanpeki o motomeru na.
She is not a professional singer, so don't demand perfection.
彼は、子供ではあるまいし、そんなにたくさんのチョコレートを食べるべきではない。
Kare wa, kodomo de wa arumai shi, sonnani takusan no chokorēto o taberu beki de wa nai.
He is not a child, so he shouldn't eat so much chocolate.
彼は医者ではあるまいし、あなたの健康問題について尋ねることはない。
Kare wa isha de wa arumai shi, anata no kenkō mondai ni tsuite tazuneru koto wa nai.
He is not a doctor, so he shouldn't ask about your health problems.
このリングは高価なものではあるまいし、落としても心配する必要はない。
Kono ringu wa kōka na mono de wa arumai shi, otoshite mo shinpai suru hitsuyō wa nai.
This ring is not expensive, so there is no need to worry if you drop it.

Long explanation:

Noun ではあるまいし is a Japanese grammar point used to indicate the speaker's presumption that something is not the case or to dismiss the idea of the preceding statement as unlikely or not the primary reason. It can be translated as 'it's not as if', or 'it's not that' in English.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: Noun ではあるまいし (~dewa aru maishi)

Japanese Grammar Point: Noun ではあるまいし (~dewa aru maishi)

Noun ではあるまいし (~dewa aru maishi)

1. Introduction

The expression "ではあるまいし" (~dewa aru maishi) is a Japanese grammatical structure used to express that something is not the case or to indicate that a certain expectation does not hold true. It has connotations of mild reproach or an argument against a given statement.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

"ではあるまいし" is composed of the following elements:

  • では (dewa): a contraction of では (de wa), which can be explained as "is not" or "isn't."
  • あるまいし (aru maishi): a phrase used to imply "since that is not the case" or "given that it isn't so."

Structure

  • Basic Form: [Noun] ではあるまいし
  • Meaning: "[Noun] isn't the case, so..."

Formation Diagram

Noun + ではあるまいし
      ↓
[Noun] is not the case → suggests expectation does not hold true

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

  • ではない (de wa nai): This merely states negation without the nuance of expectation.
  • 違う (chigau): This means "to be different," but it does not imply any reproach.

"ではあるまいし" adds a rhetorical or emotional layer, questioning why one would think something should be the case when it clearly isn't.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

  1. Formal Context:
    • 誰かを助けるのは、あなたの仕事ではあるまいし。
    • (Dareka o tasukeru no wa, anata no shigoto de wa aru maishi.)
    • "Helping others isn't your job anyway."
  2. Informal Context:
    • そんな簡単な問題じゃないよ。子供じゃあるまいし。
    • (Sonna kantan na mondai ja nai yo. Kodomo ja aru maishi.)
    • "It's not that simple. I'm not a child, you know."
  3. Written Context:
    • あなたは料理の達人ではあるまいし、完璧な食事を期待するのは不可能だ。
    • (Anata wa ryouri no tatsujin de wa aru maishi, kanpeki na shokuji o kitai suru no wa fukanou da.)
    • "You are not a cooking master, so expecting a perfect meal is impossible."
  4. Spoken Context:
    • それは私の責任ではあるまいし、他の人にも相談してみて。
    • (Sore wa watashi no sekinin de wa aru maishi, hoka no hito ni mo soudan shitemite.)
    • "That's not my responsibility, so try consulting someone else."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

The use of "ではあるまいし" reflects the Japanese emphasis on social roles and expectations. It suggests an implied level of responsibility that is not inherently one's own. Being clear that one does not hold a particular role or duty is important for maintaining harmony.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • "そんなことはないではないか" (sonna koto wa nai de wa nai ka) - "Isn’t that impossible?" is similar in tone and usage.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Using "ではあるまいし" in contexts where neutrality is needed can lead to misunderstandings.
  • Confusing it with "ではない" which lacks the nuance of expectation and reproach.

Learning Strategies

  • Visualize scenarios where expectations clash with reality to better use this expression.
  • Remember the structure: Noun + ではあるまいし suggests an argument against a false assumption.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • "ではあるまいし" indicates that something is not true, which dismisses an expectation or assumption.
  • It is softer than outright denial, often implying reproach.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. What does "ではあるまいし" imply about expectations?
  2. Give an example of how you would use "ではあるまいし" in a sentence.
  3. How does "ではあるまいし" differ from "ではない"? By understanding "ではあるまいし," learners can navigate both casual and formal conversations in Japanese, expressing that certain expectations are misplaced.
hanabira.org

Ace your Japanese JLPT N5-N1 preparation.

Disclaimer

Public Alpha version Open Source (GitHub). This site is currently undergoing active development. You may (will) encounter bugs, inconsistencies, or limited functionality. Lots of sentences might not sound natural. We are progressively addressing these issues with native speakers.


花びら散る

夢のような跡

朝露に

Copyright 2024 @hanabira.org