Grammar - Grade 2 List View

Review these list items to study and edit your keyphrase and other memory aids.
Grammar Point

A Keyphrase should be a short phrase that brings to mind and helps to remember the information on this frame.
まい

probably isn't (doesn't, won't, etc.)


Verb dictionary form + まい

Used with the dictionary form of a verb to express negative volition or negative conjecture. It translates to 'will not' or 'probably will not'.

Verb

Attach まい directly to the informal non-past form (dictionary form) of the verb.


will probably not drink

will probably not see

Note

This is typically used in formal or written Japanese. It can mean either a strong personal intention not to do something (I will not) or a formal guess that someone else will not do something (they probably won't).

い-Adjective stem + くはあるまい

Used with い-adjectives to express negative conjecture, meaning 'is probably not'.

い-Adjective

Remove the final い from the adjective and attach くはあるまい.


is probably not new

is probably not cold

Note

This form is highly formal and literary. In everyday conversation, people usually prefer combining the plain negative form with a standard conjecture expression, such as '〜ないだろう'.

な-Adjective stem or Noun + ではあるまい

Used with な-adjectives and nouns to express negative conjecture, meaning 'is probably not'.

な-Adjective

Attach ではあるまい directly to the dictionary form of the な-adjective, dropping the な.


is probably not convenient

Noun

Attach ではあるまい directly to the noun.


is probably not a student

Note

Like the adjective forms, this construction sounds very formal and is mostly found in literature, written texts, or formal speeches.



Radicals of radicals