JLPT N2・N3 Grammar – Difference between “〜まい”, “〜ず” and “〜ない”

Table of Contents

1. Difference between “〜まい”, “〜ず” and “〜ない“
2. 〜まい
3. 〜ず
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Coment

Q: Are “〜まい” and “〜ず” the same as “〜ない”?

A: “〜まい” is considered an archaic expression, often found in old Japanese texts. It is rarely used in modern language, where “〜ない” serves as the negative form. However, “〜ない” alone is insufficient compared to “〜まい,” so when replacing “〜まい” with “〜ない,” an auxiliary verb is often required. Let’s also look at “〜ず,” which serves a similar role as a negative form.

〜まい (JLPT N2)

[Meaning]
① Probably won’t ~
② Intend not to ~

[Rules]
[V] Verb dictionary form ＋まい
[A] い adjectiveい＋くあるまい
[Na] な adjectiveな＋ではあるまい
[N] Noun ＋ではあるまい
*する → するまい・すまい

[Examples]
こんな古ふるくて高たかい家いえ、誰だれも買かうまい。（①）
No one will buy such an old and expensive house.

このおかしは固かたくあるまいし、お年寄としよりでも食たべられるだろう。（①）
This snack is not likely to be hard, so even elderly people can eat it.

どんな仕事しごとも楽らくで簡単かんたんではあるまい。（①）
No job is likely to be easy and simple.

もう彼かれも子供こどもではあるまいし、一人ひとりで行いけるでしょう。（①）
He’s not a child anymore, so he should be able to go on his own.

もう絶対ぜったいに負まけるまい。（②）
I will absolutely not lose again.

〜ず (JLPT N3)

[Meaning]
Without doing ~

[Rules]
[V] Verb negative form ない ＋ず
*する→せず　来くる→来こず

[Examples]
この気持きもちを忘わすれずにがんばってください。
Please keep this feeling in mind and do your best.

財布さいふも持もたずにコンビニに来きてしまいました。
I came to the convenience store without bringing my wallet.

笑顔えがおを忘わすれずに。
Don’t forget to smile.

Let’s Compare

[〜まい]

This has two meanings: “negative conjecture” and “strong will.”
In both cases, it is rarely used in spoken language and is more common in written language, where it is somewhat old-fashioned. In modern Japanese, “ないだろう” or “ないつもりだ” is more commonly used. When expressing “strong will,” words like “二に度どと” (never again) or “絶対ぜったいに” (absolutely) are often combined.

[Examples]
こんな古ふるくて高たかい家いえ、誰だれも買かうまい。
No one will buy such an old and expensive house.
⇒ The speaker believes that no one will buy such a house.

前回ぜんかいはひどい負まけ方かたをしたから、今回こんかいは絶対ぜったいに負まけるまい。
Since I lost badly last time, I will definitely not lose this time.
⇒ The speaker is expressing a strong will not to lose, no matter what.

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[〜ず]

This is still commonly used in spoken language in modern times. It has the same meaning as “～ないで” and functions as a connective form for negation.

As in the second example, it can also end with “～ずに.” Many of these expressions have become fixed phrases. They are often used when the speaker is considerate of the listener, with the speaker’s positive sentiment implied.

[Examples]
朝あさごはんを食たべずに来きたからおなかがすきました。
I came without eating breakfast, so I’m hungry.
⇒ It has the same meaning as “朝あさごはんを食たべないで” (without eating breakfast).

いつも笑顔えがおを忘わすれずに！
Always remember to smile!
⇒ This has the nuance of “Don’t forget to smile (and keep up the good work)!”
*Other examples include “無理むりなさらずに” (Take care of yourself) and “感謝かんしゃの気持きもちを忘わすれずに” (Let’s be grateful)

Summary

[〜まい]

• It expresses negative conjecture and the speaker’s strong will.
• In modern Japanese, it is rarely used and is replaced by “ないだろう” or “ないつもりだ” in spoken language.

[〜ず]

• It functions as a connective form for negation, similar to “～ないで.”
• It is still commonly used in modern Japanese.

Quiz

Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.

Click on the question to check the answer.

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