Japanese grammar
What does ～まい mean? Japanese grammar N3
～まい means will not; probably not.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vる + まい（する→するまい／すまい） |
| Romaji | mai |
| Meaning | will not; probably not |
Forming it
| Connection | Vる + まい（する→するまい／すまい） |
|---|
How to use it
Two meanings: (a) negative volition, "resolved not to do"; (b) negative assumption, "probably not". Written style.
- Meaning (a) VOLITION: 「もう二度と～まい」 = resolved to never… again. The subject is the SPEAKER.
- Meaning (b) ASSUMPTION: 「彼は来まい」 = he probably won't come. The subject is someone else.
- Conjugation: group I uses the dictionary form + まい (言うまい); group II/III can be 「するまい／すまい」, 「来るまい／来まい」.
Examples
もう同じ失敗はするまいと決めた。
I resolved not to make the same mistake again.
彼はこのことを誰にも言うまい。
He probably will not tell anyone about this.
この天気では、今日は誰も来るまい。
In this weather, probably no one will come today.
Keep in mind
- The two meanings are distinguished by the SUBJECT (oneself → intention; someone else → conjecture).
- Written / somewhat old-fashioned; in conversation, 「～ないつもりだ／～ないだろう」 is used.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong同じ失敗をしないまい。
Correct同じ失敗はするまい。
まい connects to the dictionary form, not after ない.
-
Wrong彼はもう二度と行きまいと誓った。
He swore he would never go again.
Correct彼はもう二度と行くまいと誓った。
「行く」 is a group I verb, so it connects the DICTIONARY FORM + まい, not the ます stem.
-
Wrong（友達に）今日は雨が降るまい。
It probably won't rain today.
Correct（友達に）今日は雨が降らないだろう。
「まい」 is written/archaic style and sounds very odd in casual conversation.
Exam tips
- 「まい」 = (a) resolved not to (subject is oneself) / (b) probably not (someone else).