〜まい

Formation

N2IntentionSuppositionLiteraryLiterature
Dict. Form
Verb
まい
Dict. Form
Group 2 Verb
/
ます-Form
Group 2 Verb
まい
Ex.
する → するまい / しまい / すまい
Ex.
来る → 来るまい / 来(く)まい / 来まい(こまい)

Meaning

Expresses a strong negative intention or a will not to do something. It can also express a negative conjecture (probably not).

Note

A formal and literary expression. When used with the first person ('I'), it expresses a firm resolve or intention NOT to do something ('I shall not...'). When used with a third person, it functions as a strong negative conjecture ('They probably will not...'). Connects to the dictionary form of Group 1 verbs, and either the dictionary form or the masu-stem (without -masu) of Group 2/Irregular verbs.

Examples

もうあんな店には二度と行くまい。

I will never go to such a shop again.

二度と失敗は繰り返すまいと心に誓った。

I vowed to myself that I would not repeat the same failure again.

彼の誘いには決して乗るまいと決めている。

I have decided never to go along with his invitation.

今後はもう遅刻はしまい。

I will not be late from now on.

家族にこれ以上心配はかけまいと思っている。

I intend not to worry my family any more than this.

昨日の出来事は誰にも言うまい。

I will not tell anyone about yesterday's incident.

Related Words

Conjugation Reference