1. Basic structure
| Type | Formation with ～ようと～るまいと | Structure example | Notes |
|---|
| Group I (五段) | V-う/よう と Ｖ-る まい と | 行こうと 行くまいと | Volitional negative form: Vる + まい |
| Group II (一段) | V-よう と Ｖ-る まい と | 食べようと 食べるまいと | Ichidan: keep Vる + まい unchanged |
| する | しよう と する まい と | しようと するまいと | “するまい” is standard; “すまい” is archaic |
| 来る | 来よう と 来る まい と | 来ようと 来るまいと | 来るまい（くるまい） |
| Near variant | V-う/よう が V-まい が | 行こうが 行くまいが | More common in writing |
2. Main meaning & detailed analysis
The pattern ～ようと～るまいと expresses “whether one does (V) or does not, the conclusion/judgment that follows remains unchanged.” Equivalent to “whether ... or not ...”. Formal tone, used in writing/speeches.
- Emphasizes the “unchanging” nature of the following clause against any opposing possibilities (do/not do).
- Often talks about determination, policies, general tendencies, or the irrelevance of the preceding condition to the subsequent result.
- The preceding parts typically use the same verb in two forms: volitional (Vよう) and negative volition (Vるまい).
3. Illustrative examples
- 彼が来ようと来るまいと、会議は予定どおり始める。
Whether he comes or not, the meeting will start as scheduled. - 雨が降ろうと降るまいと、試合は続行する。
Whether it rains or not, the game will continue. - 彼女が賛成しようとするまいと、方針は変わらない。
Whether she agrees or not, the policy will not change. - 誰に何を言われようと言われるまいと、自分の道を行く。
Whether people say anything or not, I will go my own way. - 会社が支援しようとするまいと、彼は独力でやり抜くつもりだ。
Whether the company supports him or not, he intends to see it through on his own.
4. Usage & nuance
- Use when affirming a stance or principle: the latter clause usually carries a resolute tone.
- Formal; appears in speeches, writing, and news reports.
- The two preceding segments should use the same verb to create rhythm and symmetry.
- Not used for invitations or direct requests.
5. Comparison, distinctions, and similar patterns
| Pattern | Meaning | Differences | Short example |
|---|
| VようがVまいが | Whether or not | More common; similar nuance | 行こうが行くまいが関係ない。 |
| 〜ても〜なくても | Whether A or not A | Neutral, less formal | 行っても行かなくても同じだ。 |
| 〜にせよ／にしろ | Whether it is… | Does not require the same verb | 来るにせよ来ないにせよ連絡を。 |
| 〜であれ〜であれ | Whether A or B | Often used with nouns/adjectives | 雨であれ雪であれ出発する。 |
6. Extended notes
- “まい” is a volitional negative form with an archaic/written flavor; in conversation, “〜ても〜なくても” is commonly used.
- For 来る: 来るまい（くるまい）；for する: するまい. Avoid “来まい/すまい” in standard modern usage (except in very archaic styles).
- You can insert different subjects between the two preceding parts, but it is usually better to keep the same subject for coherence.
7. Variations & fixed expressions
- VようがVまいが: a commonly used variant.
- 慣用: 来ようと来るまいと／しようとするまいと (an irregular pair).
- V-受身ようと V-受身るまいと: emphasizes being affected or not (言われようと言われるまいと).
8. Common mistakes & JLPT traps
- Using different verbs in the two parts: they must be the same verb (行こうと来るまいと → wrong).
- Confusing “Vないと” with “Vるまいと”: “まい” is volitional negation, not “ない”.
- Sounds stiff in everyday speech; on the JLPT you need to recognize its formal tone.
- Confusing it with “〜ようにも〜れない” (expresses “want to do it but can’t”), whereas this pattern means “whether you do it or not, the result afterward doesn’t change.”
