N463/179

まい~のように

VるまいのようにVたまいのようにNoun + のまいのようにいAdj + まいのようになAdj + なまいのように

Meanings

  • Almost every ~
  • Nearly every ~
  • On a ~ basis

About this pattern

Explanation

まい can be used to express strong conjecture or determination in a negative form. When combined with のように, the phrase conveys that something is true in a general, almost universal sense, similar to saying 'almost all ~' or 'nearly every ~' in English. It emphasizes that a behavior, pattern, or situation applies broadly rather than in isolated cases. This construction is mostly used in written style or formal narration and can sound archaic or literary in everyday conversation.

Learn in context

Example sentences

この本は、学生の多くが授業を欠席するまいのように書かれている。

This book is written as if almost all students would not miss classes.

昨日の天気は雨が降るまいのように見えた。

The weather yesterday looked as if it would hardly rain.

彼らは努力を続けるまいのように、結局成功を収めた。

As if they would not keep trying, they eventually achieved success.