All JLPT grammar
N1

Verb ようと Verbる まいと

This structure indicates that regardless of whether one does (verb) or not, the outcome/attitude remains unchanged.

At a glance

~ようと~まいと means "whether (someone) does it or not". The main clause states something that stays the same either way. It is formal and mostly used in writing and speeches.

[Verb (volitional)] と [Verb (まい form)] と、[Result]

雨あめが降ふろうと降ふるまいと、試合しあいは行おこなわれます。 Whether it rains or not, the match will be held.


How to form it

Use the same verb twice: first in the volitional form + と, then in the まい form + と.

Verb group Volitional + と まい form + と
う-verb 書かく → 書かこうと 書かくまいと
る-verb 食たべる → 食たべようと 食たべるまいと / 食たべまいと
する しようと するまいと / しまいと
来くる 来こようと 来くるまいと / 来こまいと

For う-verbs, まい attaches to the dictionary form. For る-verbs, する and 来くる, more than one まい form is in use.

Examples

  • あなたが来こようと来くるまいと、パーティーは予定通よていどおりに始はじまります。

    Whether you come or not, the party will start as scheduled.

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The rest of the lesson

When to use it, common mistakes, nuances and a quick check, with spaced repetition to make it stick.

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