Japanese grammar
What does ～まじき mean? Japanese grammar N1
～まじき means unbecoming of; should not be done by.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + にあるまじき／Vる + まじき |
| Romaji | majiki |
| Meaning | unbecoming of; should not be done by |
Forming it
| Connection | N + にあるまじき／Vる + まじき |
|---|
How to use it
Condemns a behavior as UNBEFITTING the status of the person who did it. Almost always used as the fixed phrase 「NにあるまじきN」.
- 「N1にあるまじきN2」 = N2 (a behavior) is unbefitting for someone in position N1. N2 is almost always 行為 (act), 発言 (remark), 態度 (attitude), or 振る舞い (conduct).
- 「まじき」 is the archaic attributive form of 「まじ」 (= ～てはならない, "must not"), so it MUST come before a noun and cannot end a sentence.
- This is a strong form of condemnation, seen in news reports and disciplinary documents: 「教育者にあるまじき発言」 (a remark unbecoming of an educator).
Examples
これは医者にあるまじき行為だ。
This is conduct unbecoming of a doctor.
教育者にあるまじき発言だとして、彼は処分を受けた。
He was disciplined for a remark unbecoming of an educator.
Keep in mind
- The particle is 「に」: 「医者にあるまじき」, not 「医者であるまじき」.
- 「まじき」 must be followed by a noun — a sentence cannot end with 「まじき」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong医者であるまじき行為だ。
Correct医者にあるまじき行為だ。
The standard fixed phrase for judging status is Nにあるまじき (with に, not である).
Exam tips
- 「NにあるまじきN」 = a behavior unbefitting the status N; uses 「に」, always followed by a noun.