まい

まい means will not; will probably not; intend not to; must not ~. It is a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar pattern used to express that the speaker firmly resolves not to do something, or confidently predicts something will not happen.

This grammar point often appears in essays, formal writing, conversations, and JLPT N2 reading passages. If you want to express that the speaker firmly resolves not to do something, or confidently predicts something will not happen, まい is a useful pattern to learn because it adds natural precision to your Japanese.

What does まい mean?

Use まい when you want to express that the speaker firmly resolves not to do something, or confidently predicts something will not happen.

Natural translations include:

• will not; will probably not; intend not to; must not ~

The best translation depends on the sentence. Try to notice the writer’s or speaker’s purpose first, then choose the English phrase that fits that context.

How to form まい

Verb (る-form) + まい / Verb (ない-form) + まい

Examples of the pattern:

• 行くまい
• 言うまい

The form before the grammar point matters. In JLPT questions, the wrong answer choices often use a similar meaning but attach it to the wrong type of word.

When is まい used?

Use まい in situations like:

• expressing firm negative intention or conjecture
• expressing personal reactions, reasoning, or observations
• connecting ideas in formal and informal contexts

Tone and register:

• formal/literary; conveys strong resolve
• Common in test questions, essays, daily conversation, and JLPT N2 reading

まい example sentences

• もう二度と、そんなことは言うまい。
• 彼はもう来るまい。
• こんな失敗は二度と繰り返すまい。
• その話は誰にも話すまいと決心した。
• 彼が本当のことを言うことはあるまい。

After reading each sentence, ask what job まい is doing: the speaker firmly resolves not to do something, or confidently predicts something will not happen. That makes the nuance easier to remember than a one-word translation.

Nuance of まい

The key nuance is the speaker firmly resolves not to do something, or confidently predicts something will not happen.

This matters because learners often translate advanced grammar too literally. A pattern may look simple, but it can signal the writer’s attitude, the scope of a rule, or the relationship between two ideas.

For example:

• In context, it carries a specific, nuanced meaning that a simpler pattern would not convey.
• Compared with ないだろう, it carries a different weight and implication.

まい vs ないだろう

Both まい and ないだろう can express related ideas, but they are different.

まい:

• the speaker firmly resolves not to do something, or confidently predicts something will not happen

ないだろう:

• probably won’t (colloquial/neutral)

Quick contrast examples:

• もう言うまい。
• もう言わないだろう。

If both translations seem possible, check the tone. Is the sentence casual, formal, written, explanatory, or emotional? The tone often tells you which grammar point is natural.

Common mistakes with まい

Watch out for these mistakes:

• Translating it too literally without understanding the nuance
• Using it in contexts where the situation doesn’t match the grammar’s core meaning
• Confusing it with similar-looking but different grammar patterns

A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with まい, then rewrite it with ないだろう. If the meaning or tone changes, explain that difference in your own words.

Is まい on the JLPT?

Yes. まい is commonly taught as JLPT N2 grammar.

That means learners should be able to:

• recognize it in reading
• understand its nuance in context
• use it in simple original sentences

For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions often test whether you understand the surrounding context, not just the dictionary meaning.

Practice questions for まい

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:

• Use まい in a sentence about a personal experience or observation.
• Write a sentence where the nuance of まい is necessary.
• Compare まい with ないだろう in your own example.

Keep your first sentences simple. Once the structure feels natural, add more context so the nuance becomes clear.

Learning path for まい

To learn まい efficiently, start with its formation, then compare it with similar patterns, and finally practice in context.

1. First, make sure you can form まい without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with ないだろう. These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance.
3. Finally, write sentences where まい is necessary; then check whether replacing it with one of the related patterns below changes the meaning.

Related grammar to review next

• ものか / もんか — because it also strongly denies that something will happen
• っこない — because it also emphatically denies possibility
• どうせ — because it also conveys resignation and negative outlook

Learn まい with Hane

If you want to review まい together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions.

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