HomeGrammarJLPT N2~まい (〜mai)

~まい (〜mai)

JLPT N2

Explanation

Express a negative conjecture or determination; 'probably not' or 'I will not'.

Formation

Detailed explanation

The ~まい grammar point is used to express a negative conjecture or a strong determination not to do something. In modern usage, it is generally used with the dictionary form of verbs (来る→来るまい, する→するまい, etc.). It can be translated as 'probably not' or 'I will not' in English.

Examples

Kare wa konban kuru mai.

He probably won't come tonight.

Konnani okurete wa, densha ni maniau mai.

Being this late, I probably won't make it for the train.

Ano hito wa zettai ni wasureru mai.

That person will definitely not forget.

Watashi wa nidoto sono shippai o kurikaesu mai.

I will not repeat that mistake again.

Practice

Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.