～まい JLPT N2 Very formal / literary
〜mai
Express a negative conjecture or determination; 'probably not' or 'I will not'.
Formal, literary negative conjecture - "probably not/I won't" - the negative counterpart to だろう.
Formation
Verb-dictionary form + まい
Explanation
The ～まい grammar point is used to express a negative conjecture or a strong determination not to do something. In modern usage, it is generally used with the dictionary form of verbs (来る -> 来るまい, する -> するまい, etc.). It can be translated as 'probably not' or 'I will not' in English.
Example sentences
-
He probably won't come tonight.
Kare wa konban kuru mai.
-
Being this late, I probably won't make it for the train.
Konnani okurete wa, densha ni maniau mai.
-
That person will definitely not forget.
Ano hito wa zettai ni wasureru mai.
-
I will not repeat that mistake again.
Watashi wa nidoto sono shippai o kurikaesu mai.