JLPT N1

~ja aru mai shi

Expressing that something 'is not'; 'it's not like...'. Colloquial/masculine form of ではあるまいし.

Formation

Explanation

The phrase 「Noun (or Na-Adjective) + じゃあるまいし」 is a somewhat casual, sometimes masculine-sounding expression meaning 'it's not like...', 'it's not as if...', or 'there's no need to...' in certain contexts. It dismisses the idea that the noun or adjective is the reason or cause for something.

Example sentences

  • He’s not a child, so he should solve that problem properly.

    Kare wa kodomo ja aru mai shi, sono mondai o shikkari to kaiketsu suru beki da.

  • We don’t need to hurry; it’s not like we’re short of time.

    Isogu hitsuyou wa nai, jikan ja aru mai shi.

  • You’re not the coach, so don’t worry about the game results.

    Kantoku ja aru mai shi, shiai no kekka ni tsuite shinpai suru na.

  • It’s not candy, so it’s okay to just swallow it.

    Ame ja aru mai shi, sono mama nomikonde mo daijoubu da yo.