Explanation
Expresses indecision: 'Should I do it or not?'.
Formation
Verb-volitional form + か + Verb-volitional negative form (まい) + か
Detailed explanation
This grammar shows hesitation about whether to do something or not. The volitional form plus まい (negative volitional) suggests an internal debate about two opposite choices of the *same* verb.
Examples
彼に話そうか話すまいか、本当に迷っている。
Kare ni hanasou ka hanasu mai ka, hontou ni mayotte iru.
I'm really unsure whether to talk to him or not.
試験を受けようか受けまいか迷っています。
Shiken o ukeyou ka ukemai ka mayotte imasu.
I'm wondering whether to take the exam or not.
あの人に謝ろうか謝るまいか考えています。
Ano hito ni ayamarou ka ayamaru mai ka kangaete imasu.
I'm considering whether to apologize to that person or not.
進学しようかしまいか悩んでいる。
Shingaku shiyou ka shimai ka nayande iru.
I'm worried about whether to continue my studies or not.
Practice
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.