じゃあるまいし

JLPT Level: N1

Meanings

It's not that you are ~, so you shouldn't ~

Since you're not ~, it's not appropriate to ~

You're not in that situation, so you should avoid ~

Usage

Noun + じゃあるまいし

Na-adjective + じゃあるまいし

Verb (plain) + じゃあるまいし

Explanation

じゃあるまいし is used to point out a contrast between the listener's current state or status and the action you think they should or should not take. It is often used to admonish, discourage excessive behavior, or to argue that a certain expectation is inappropriate given their situation. It carries a nuance of 'you aren’t X, so you shouldn’t Y' and can sound slightly admonishing or pointed, especially in informal speech. It is commonly used when the speaker asserts that the listener should behave differently because they are not in a particular role, state, or condition.

彼は部長じゃあるまいし、そんなに偉そうにするな。

かれはぶちょうじゃあるまいし、そんなにえらそうにするな。

You're not a department head, so don't act so bossy.

子供じゃあるまいし、自分の責任くらい自分で取れ。

こどもじゃあるまいし、じぶんのせきにんくらいじぶんでとれ。

You're not a kid anymore, so take responsibility for yourself.

そんな時間に来る必要はない。これは大人の問題じゃあるまいし。

そんなじかんにくるひつようはない。これはおとなのもんだいじゃあるまいし。

There's no need to come at that time. This isn't a problem for adults, so don't overreact.

お前は学生じゃあるまいし、夜更かししてはいけないだろう。

おまえはがくせいじゃあるまいし、よふかししてはいけないだろう。

You're not a student, so you shouldn't stay up late.