JLPT N1 grammar
〜うが〜まいが — Meaning & Examples
"Whether... or not" — volitional + negative-volitional (まい), expressing total indifference. 行こうが行くまいが、自由だ.
〜うが〜まいが — "Whether... Or Not"
This doubles up the volitional pattern with its negative-volitional counterpart (まい) to express complete indifference to two opposite outcomes.
Pattern: [volitional] + が、[negative volitional (まい)] + が
行こうが行くまいが、あなたの自由だ。
= Whether you go or not, it's your choice.
雨が降ろうが降るまいが、試合は行われる。
= Whether it rains or not, the match will go ahead.
彼が納得しようがしまいが、決定は変わらない。
= Whether he accepts it or not, the decision won't change.
Forming まい (negative volitional):
・する→するまい／しまい ・来る→来るまい ・食べる→食べまい（or 食べるまい）
・Group 1 verbs: dictionary form + まい（行くまい、降るまい）
Key feeling: "It genuinely makes no difference either way" — total indifference to the outcome, not resolve about it.
Practice questions
Try this question on 〜うが〜まいが. Pick an answer in your head, then open “Show answer”.
1. 行こうが行くまいが、あなたの自由だ。 means?
- You must go
- Whether you go or not, it's your choice
- You are forbidden to go
- Going is required by law
Show answer
Answer: Whether you go or not, it's your choice
〜うが〜まいが = whether... or not — volitional + negative-volitional (まい), expressing total indifference to the outcome.
Practise 〜うが〜まいが in the free app
This point is part of the “"No Matter What" — (よ)うが／うと・うが〜まいが・であれ〜であれ・にせよ／にしろ” lesson in A Star Japanese. Study it with examples, a quiz, flashcards and timed JLPT N1 mock exams. Free on iPhone and Android.
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Related N1 grammar points
From the same lesson: "No Matter What" — (よ)うが／うと・うが〜まいが・であれ〜であれ・にせよ／にしろ
Frequently asked questions
What does 〜うが〜まいが mean?
"Whether... or not" — volitional + negative-volitional (まい), expressing total indifference. 行こうが行くまいが、自由だ.
Is 〜うが〜まいが on the JLPT N1 test?
〜うが〜まいが is taught in the JLPT N1 grammar course in A Star Japanese (lesson “"No Matter What" — (よ)うが／うと・うが〜まいが・であれ〜であれ・にせよ／にしろ”), so it is a pattern learners at this level are expected to recognise. The JLPT does not publish an official grammar list, so treat this as a study guide rather than an official requirement.
How can I practise 〜うが〜まいが?
Open the “"No Matter What" — (よ)うが／うと・うが〜まいが・であれ〜であれ・にせよ／にしろ” lesson in the free A Star Japanese app for iPhone and Android. It has examples, a quiz after every lesson, flashcards with spaced repetition and timed JLPT N1 mock exams, with no ads.