What does ～にあるまじき～ mean? Japanese grammar N1

Forming it

How to use it

Strong criticism: behavior/speech unacceptable for someone holding that standing. Written.

• 「AにあるまじきB」 = behavior B is unbecoming/not permissible for someone holding standing A. Strong, formal criticism.
• The noun that follows is usually 行為・言動・発言・態度.
• Close to 「～ともあろう者が」 (N1-118); this pattern directly modifies the BEHAVIOR, while 「ともあろう」 emphasizes the PERSON.

Examples

• それは教師(きょうし)にあるまじき行為(こうい)だ。

  That is conduct unbecoming of a teacher.

• 公人(こうじん)にあるまじき発言(はつげん)として批判(ひはん)を浴(あ)びた。

  It drew criticism as a remark unbecoming of a public figure.

Keep in mind

• A is a position/status; B is a noun referring to a behavior.
• Always carries a critical nuance.

Common mistakes

• Wrong教師(きょうし)にあるまじき人(ひと)だ。

  That is a person unbecoming of a teacher.

  Correct教師(きょうし)にあるまじき行為(こうい)だ。

  After 「にあるまじき」 comes a noun denoting BEHAVIOR (行為・言動), not the person themselves.

• Wrong子供(こども)にあるまじき行為(こうい)だ。

  That is behavior unbecoming of a child.

  Correct教師(きょうし)にあるまじき行為(こうい)だ。

  A must be a STANDING that carries an accompanying standard (an occupation/social status).

Exam tips

• 「AにあるまじきB」 = behavior B unbecoming of standing A; B is a noun denoting behavior.

Related patterns

• ～ともあろう～
• ～まじき
• ～べからざる