Japanese grammar
What does ～じゃあるまいし mean? Japanese grammar N1
～じゃあるまいし means it's not like…; it's not as if… (mild reprimand).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + じゃあるまいし 普通形 + んじゃあるまいし |
| Romaji | jaarumaishi |
| Meaning | it's not like…; it's not as if… (mild reprimand) |
Forming it
| Noun | 子供 + じゃあるまいし |
|---|---|
| Noun (role) | 専門家 + じゃあるまいし |
How to use it
States "it's not as if A" as a reason to reproach/advise the other person. Colloquial; the formal form is 「ではあるまいし」.
- 「～じゃあるまいし」 = "it's not as if you were A...": uses the fact of NOT being A as grounds for reproach or advice.
- The following clause is usually a reproach, reminder, or advice: 「～べきだ」, 「～なさい」, 「～のはやめなさい」.
- Colloquial; written style uses 「～ではあるまいし」.
Examples
子供じゃあるまいし、自分のことは自分でやりなさい。
You’re not a child — do your own things yourself.
神様じゃあるまいし、すべてを予測できるはずがない。
I’m no god — I can’t possibly predict everything.
Keep in mind
- Attaches to a noun (or a clause + んじゃあるまいし).
- The following clause is a reproach/piece of advice.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong子供じゃあるまいし、うれしいです。
It's not as if I were a child — I'm very happy.
Correct子供じゃあるまいし、しっかりしなさい。
The clause after 「じゃあるまいし」 is a REPROACH/piece of advice, not a neutral feeling.
-
Wrong子供ではあるまいしだから、自分でやれ。
It's not as if you were a child — do it yourself.
Correct子供じゃあるまいし、自分でやれ。
The pattern itself already conveys a reason — don't add 「だから」.
Exam tips
- 「じゃあるまいし」 = it's not as if... (reproach/advice); written style 「ではあるまいし」.