Verb ようか Verbるまいか

When to use

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

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.

• 彼かれに話はなそうか話はなすまいか、本当ほんとうに迷まよっている。

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

  Kare ni hanasou ka hanasu mai ka, hontou ni mayotte iru.

• 試験しけんを受うけようか受うけまいか迷まよっています。

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

  Shiken o ukeyou ka ukemai ka mayotte imasu.

• あの人ひとに謝あやまろうか謝あやまるまいか考かんがえています。

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

  Ano hito ni ayamarou ka ayamaru mai ka kangaete imasu.

• 進学しんがくしようかしまいか悩なやんでいる。

  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Verb you ga Verb ru mai gaN1Expresses 'whether or not', 'no matter if something…
• ～か～まいか〜ka 〜maikaN2Used to express a dilemma or indecision between two…
• ～かどうか〜ka dou kaN4Used to express 'whether' or 'if' in indirect questions or…

Compare when to use each