うが〜まいが

Whether or Not

Level 4Sounds Like uga~maiga

The pattern うが〜まいが (or 〜ようが〜まいが) is a formal way to say 'whether someone does X or not, it doesn't change the situation.' It combines the volitional form with the negative volitional form まい.

How It Works

This grammar is constructed by pairing a verb in its volitional form with its negative volitional counterpart (まい).

1. Formation:

  • Same Verb Rule: This pattern requires the same verb to be used in both the positive and negative parts (e.g., 'Whether I go or not go'). You cannot use two different verbs.
  • Group 1 (Godan): Volitional + が + Dictionary Form + まいが
    Example: 行こうが行くまいが (Whether I go or not)
  • Group 2 (Ichidan): Volitional + が + [Stem OR Dictionary Form] + まいが
    Example: 食べようが食べまいが / 食べようが食べるまいが
  • Group 3 (Irregular):
    する: しようがしまいが / しようがすまいが / しようがするまいが
    来る: 来よう（こよう）が来まい（こまい）が / 来ようが来るまいが

2. Nuance and Usage:
This pattern is primarily used in formal writing, literature, or speeches. It carries a strong tone of 'it doesn't matter to me' or 'I will do it regardless.' Unlike the neutral 〜ても〜なくても phrasing, this expression highlights the speaker's resolve or the inevitability of a situation.

3. Interchangeable Variant:
The variant 〜うと〜まいと is interchangeable with this pattern, sharing the same meaning and formation rules (e.g., 行こうと行くまいと).

4. Adjectives and Nouns:
While まい is primarily for verbs, adjectives and nouns can also use this sentiment. Adjectives use 〜かろうが〜なかろうが, and nouns/adjectives often use 〜あろうが〜あるまいが (e.g., 好きであろうが好きであるまいが - Whether you like it or not).

Examples (4)

  1. 周囲が反対しようがしまいが、私は彼と結婚するつもりだ。

    Whether the people around me object or not, I intend to marry him.

    Word by Word: Surroundings object-will or not-do, I him with marry intend.

    Uses the volitional しよう and negative volitional しまい to show the speaker's firm resolve despite others' opinions.

  2. 雨が降ろうが降るまいが、明日の試合は予定通り行われます。

    Whether it rains or not, tomorrow's match will be held as scheduled.

    Word by Word: Rain fall-will or fall-not-will, tomorrow's match schedule according to be held.

    Shows that the external condition (rain) has no effect on the planned outcome.

  3. 君が信じようが信じまいが、これは紛れもない事実だ。

    Whether you believe it or not, this is an unmistakable fact.

    Word by Word: You believe-will or believe-not-will, this unmistakable fact is.

    Expresses that the truth of the statement is independent of the listener's belief.

  4. 結果がどうあろうがあるまいが、全力を尽くしたことに変わりはない。

    Whether there is a result or not, the fact that I gave my all does not change.

    Word by Word: Result how be-will or be-not-will, all-power exhausted fact-to change is-not.

    Uses the existence verb ある to show that the effort itself is what matters, regardless of the outcome.

Common Mistakes

  • Confusing 'が' with 'か' (Choice vs. Indifference)

    行こうか行くまいか、結果は同じだ。
    行こうが行くまいが、結果は同じだ。

    Using 'か' (ようか〜まいか) expresses hesitation or wondering which to choose. Using 'が' (ようが〜まいが) expresses that the outcome is the same regardless.

  • Incorrect conjugation of 'まい'

    食べないまいが
    食べまいが / 食べるまいが

    まい does not attach to the 'nai-form'. It attaches to the dictionary form (all verbs) or the stem (Ichidan/Irregular verbs).

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

うが〜まいがLevel 4Whether or Not

Learn This First

The pattern 'うが〜まいが' is a formal structure used to express 'whether or not' something happens. It requires knowledge of the volitional form (意向形) for the affirmative part and the negative volitional auxiliary 'まい' for the negative part. These are then connected by the particle 'が' to show that the outcome remains the same regardless of which path is taken.

Words in This Pattern

まいう