Verb ようか Verbるまいか JLPT N1 Neutral

Verb you ka Verb ru mai ka

Expresses indecision: 'Should I do it or not?'.

"Should I do X or not" - expresses indecision about a single action.

Formation

Verb-volitional form + か + Verb-volitional negative form (まい) + か

Explanation

This grammar shows hesitation about whether to do something or not. The volitional form plus まい (negative volitional) suggests an internal debate about two opposite choices of the *same* verb.

Example sentences

彼に話そうか話すまいか、本当に迷っている。

I'm really unsure whether to talk to him or not.

Kare ni hanasou ka hanasu mai ka, hontou ni mayotte iru.
試験を受けようか受けまいか迷っています。

I'm wondering whether to take the exam or not.

Shiken o ukeyou ka ukemai ka mayotte imasu.
あの人に謝ろうか謝るまいか考えています。

I'm considering whether to apologize to that person or not.

Ano hito ni ayamarou ka ayamaru mai ka kangaete imasu.
進学しようかしまいか悩んでいる。

I'm worried about whether to continue my studies or not.

Shingaku shiyou ka shimai ka nayande iru.

Whether Or Not (To Do X)

Verb ようが Verb るまいが JLPT N1
～か～まいか JLPT N2