ようが～まいが
Meanings
- Whether or not one will do something
- No matter what happens or what one does
- Even if...; regardless of ...; emphatic contrast
- Volitional + が
About this pattern
Explanation
This pattern expresses a strong contrast or indifference between two possibilities: the first clause uses the volitional form of a verb (indicating intention or decision), and the second clause uses the negative volitional まい (meaning 'will not' or 'let's not'). The overall nuance is 'whether you do X or not' or 'no matter what, ...'. It is often used to assert that the speaker’s course of action or the outcome remains unaffected by the other person’s choices or by a possible situation. It can carry a slightly formal or emphatic tone and is common in written language and certain formal spoken contexts.
Learn in context
Example sentences
Whether he comes or not, we’ll start the meeting.
Whether I cooperate or not, the result will be the same.
Whether it rains or not, the event will be held as scheduled.
Whether the teacher objects or not, I will assign homework.
Keep studying
More N1 patterns
from ... to ...; from start to finish; up to and including
View detailsNo matter how ~, it won't change the outcome; Even if ~, the result is still unlikely; Even though ~, it doesn't matter; it's futile to ~
View detailslike; similar to; as if; the same as
View detailsto be worthy of; to be enough for; to be sufficient
View detailsextreme; extremely; unbearably; to an extreme degree
View detailsEven though; Even if; Although; Despite
View details