〜ようが〜まいが
Whether or Not
The pattern 〜ようが〜まいが is used to express that a certain outcome or decision is independent of whether a specific action occurs. It carries a strong, resolute, or even defiant tone, often used in formal writing or speeches.
How It Works
This pattern is an advanced (N1 level) structure used to show that a situation is unaffected by a particular action or event. It is much more formal and emphatic than the common 〜ても〜なくても or 〜かどうか.
1. Formation:
The pattern requires the same verb to be used in both parts. Crucially, the particles used in both parts must match (either が...が or と...と) and cannot be mixed:
- Part A: Verb in Volitional Form + が (or と)
- Part B: Same Verb in Negative Volitional Form + が (or と)
2. Conjugating 'まい':
Conjugating the negative volitional can be tricky:
- Group 1 (u-verbs): Dictionary form + まい (e.g., 行く（いく） → 行くまい)
- Group 2 (ru-verbs): Stem + まい OR Dictionary form + まい (e.g., 食べ（たべ） → 食べまい / 食べるまい)
- Group 3 (Irregular): する becomes しまい, すまい, or するまい; 来る（くる） becomes こまい or くるまい.
3. Nuance & Variants:
The variant 〜ようと〜まいと is interchangeable and carries the same meaning. This pattern often implies that the speaker is determined to do something regardless of the circumstances, or that a fact is so absolute that external actions don't matter. It is frequently used with verbs of perception (believing, knowing) or natural phenomena (raining, snowing).
Examples (3)
- 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 falls-volitional-particle fall-not-volitional-particle, tomorrow's match as-planned is-held.
Here, the pattern is used with a natural phenomenon (rain) to show that the event is fixed regardless of the weather.
- 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 the unmistakable truth.
Word by Word: You believe-volitional-particle believe-not-volitional-particle, this unmistakable fact is.
This uses verbs of perception to emphasize that the truth of the statement does not depend on the listener's opinion.
- 周囲が反対しようがすまいが、私は自分の道を進むつもりだ。
Regardless of whether those around me oppose it or not, I intend to follow my own path.
Word by Word: Surroundings oppose-volitional-particle do-not-volitional-particle, I my-own path proceed intention am.
This demonstrates the 'resolute' nuance, where the speaker's determination is independent of others' opinions. Note the use of すまい for the verb する.
Common Mistakes
Using the standard negative form instead of 'まい'.
彼が来ようが来ないが、始めましょう。彼が来ようが来まいが、始めましょう。The pattern specifically requires the negative volitional 'まい' to balance the first volitional verb. Using 'ない' is grammatically incorrect for this specific formal structure.
Confusing '〜ようが〜まいが' with '〜ようか〜まいか'.
行こうがいくまいが悩んでいる。行こうか行くまいか悩んでいる。The particle 'か' is used for hesitation or deliberation ('Should I or shouldn't I?'). The particle 'が' is used for a fixed result ('Whether I do or not, [result]').
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand '〜ようが〜まいが', you first need to know how to conjugate verbs into the volitional form (意向形) and the negative volitional form (まい). This pattern combines these two forms with the particle 'が' to express that an outcome remains the same regardless of which action is taken.
Related Patterns
- まいWon't/probably Not
The second half of this pattern uses the Negative Volitional Form to propose the negative hypothetical.
Level 4 - 〜にせよ/〜にしろEven If/whether
A similar formal expression meaning 'regardless of' or 'whether... or...', though it can be used with nouns and adjectives more easily.
Level 3 - 〜に関わらずRegardless of
A formal way to say 'regardless of,' often used with nouns or polar opposites.
Level 4 - たとえ〜てもEven if
The standard way to say 'even if,' which provides the foundational logic for 'regardless of' sentences.
Level 3
Words in This Pattern
Practice 〜ようが〜まいが in Bubblegum
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