???? What is this grammar?
This is a hypothetical concessive structure used to express:
- “Whether (someone) does or doesn’t do something, (the result won’t change)”
- It presents two opposing possibilities (do or not do) and states that the result, situation, or decision remains unaffected.
???? Structure
| Type | Structure |
|---|---|
| Verb (volitional form) + と / が + Verb (dictionary negative form without ない + まい) + と / が | Whether (someone) does or doesn’t do… |
✅ まい is a classical negative volitional meaning “probably won’t / let’s not / will not”.
Verb conjugation:
- Group 1: 行く → 行こう・行くまい
- Group 2: 食べる → 食べよう・食べまい
- Irregular:
- する → しよう・するまい
- 来る → 来よう・来まい
???? Meaning in Context
Used when:
- Emphasizing that no matter what choice is made (whether A or B), the conclusion/result is the same.
- Often used in a formal, strong-willed, or logical context.
English equivalents:
- “Whether (someone) does or doesn’t…”
- “Regardless of whether (someone) does… or not”
???? Example Sentences
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| 雨が降ろうと降るまいと、試合は行われる。 | Whether it rains or not, the game will be held. |
| 彼が来ようが来るまいが、私たちは始める。 | Whether he comes or not, we’ll start. |
| 成功しようとしまいと、挑戦する価値がある。 | Whether it succeeds or not, it’s worth trying. |
| 誰が賛成しようがしまいが、私はやると決めた。 | Whether anyone agrees or not, I’ve decided to do it. |
| 食べようと食べまいと、代金は同じだ。 | Whether you eat or not, the price is the same. |
???? Nuances & Tone
- Very formal, logical, or resolute.
- Often appears in speeches, essays, formal discussions.
- Implies a strong stance, clear outcome, or logical certainty.
???? Comparison with Similar Patterns
| Expression | Meaning | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| ～ようと～まいと | Whether (someone) does or doesn’t | Formal, decisive |
| ～ても～なくても | Whether or not | More casual |
| ～にかかわらず | Regardless of | Neutral |
| ～だろうが～だろうが | Whether it’s A or B | Conversational |
Example:
- 雨が降っても降らなくても行く。 → I’ll go whether it rains or not. (casual)
- 雨が降ろうと降るまいと行く。 → I’ll go whether it rains or not. (formal, resolute)
✅ Practice Exercise
Translate into Japanese using ～ようと～まいと / ～ようが～まいが:
- Whether you study or not, the exam will come.
- Whether he agrees or not, we’ll proceed.
- Whether it succeeds or fails, it’s worth trying.
Possible Answers:
- 勉強しようとしまいと、試験は来る。
- 彼が賛成しようがするまいが、私たちは進める。
- 成功しようと失敗しようと、挑戦する価値がある。
???? Summary Table
| Grammar | ～ようと～まいと / ～ようが～まいが |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Whether (someone) does or doesn’t |
| Structure | [Volitional form] + と / が + [Dictionary negative stem + まい] + と / が |
| Nuance | Strong, formal, logical |
| Usage | Essays, speeches, resolute declarations |
???? Pro Tip:
This grammar pattern pairs really well with decisive verbs like:
- 行く、来る、する
- 賛成する、反対する、成功する、失敗する
→ As it naturally expresses decisiveness despite circumstances.
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