JLPT N1 Grammar

〜うと〜まいと (u to... mai to)

〜うと〜まいと (u to... mai to)

"Whether one does [X] or not; regardless of whether [X] happens or not"

This expression is used to emphasize that a subsequent action, state, or determination remains completely unchanged, regardless of whether a specific action is taken or a certain situation occurs. It highlights the speaker's resolve or a factual inevitability that is not influenced by external choices or conditions.

  • Formality: Neutral to Formal (Written and Spoken). While it can be used in firm spoken declarations, it is frequently found in written contexts like editorials, business contracts, or formal speeches.
  • Context: Business strategy (market entry despite risks), management (consistent policy enforcement), or professional ethics (doing the right thing regardless of recognition).
  • Nuance: It carries a strong sense of determination, indifference to external factors, or a "matter-of-fact" tone. Unlike the more common ~temo ~nakutemo, this N1 structure sounds more resolute and sophisticated.

Format

  • [Verb 1: Volitional Form] + と + [Verb 2: Dictionary Form] + まいと
    雨が降ろうと降るまいと、試合は行われる。 Whether it rains or not, the match will be held.

Group 1 (U-verbs): [Volitional] + と + [Dictionary] + まいと
行こうと行くまいと
話そうと話すまいと

Group 2 (Ru-verbs): [Volitional] + と + [Stem OR Dictionary] + まいと
食べようと食べるまいと (Dictionary form)
食べようと食べまいと (Stem form)

Irregular Verbs
する: しようとしまいと OR しようとするまいと
来る: 来ようと来まいと OR 来ようと来るまいと

Example sentences

  • 、。
    Whether our competitors enter the market or not, there will be no change to our strategy.
  • 、。
    Whether those around me agree or not, I am convinced that we should release this product.
  • 、。
    Regardless of whether the budget is approved or not, we have no choice but to continue development.
  • 、。
    Whether we see immediate results or not, there is value in working on process improvement.
  • 、。
    Whether he shows up or not, we will start the meeting on time.

Similar Grammar

〜たところで (ta tokoro de)

"Even if [X] happens (it's useless)"
今さら謝ったところで、彼女は許してくれないだろう。 Even if you apologize now, she probably won't forgive you.

Difference:

  • Focuses on the futility of an action. It implies that even if you do something, the result will be negative or meaningless.

〜ようが〜まいが (yō ga... mai ga)

"Whether one does [X] or not"
周囲が反対しようがしまいが、自分の意志を貫くつもりだ。 Whether those around me oppose it or not, I intend to stick to my will.

Difference:

  • Very similar to ~u to ~mai to.
  • The use of "ga" instead of "to" is slightly more colloquial/emphatic but generally interchangeable in N1 contexts.

〜いかんにかかわらず (ikan ni kakawarazu)

"Regardless of..."
理由のいかんにかかわらず、校則違反は厳しく処分される。 Regardless of the reason, violations of school rules will be strictly punished.

Difference:

  • Used with nouns (e.g., "regardless of the outcome").
  • ~u to ~mai to specifically uses contrasting verb forms to show indifference to an action.

〜であれ〜であれ (de are... de are)

"Whether it is [A] or [B]"
男であれ女であれ、この仕事には体力が必要だ。 Whether you are a man or a woman, this job requires physical strength.

Difference:

  • Used to list two different nouns or categories to show that the result applies to both (e.g., "Whether it's a manager or an intern...").

〜にせよ〜にせよ (ni seyo... ni seyo)

"Be it [A] or [B]"
行くにせよ行かないにせよ、返事は早くするべきだ。 Whether you go or not, you should give an answer quickly.

Difference:

  • Similar in meaning but often used to provide two distinct options or possibilities, whereas ~u to ~mai to focuses on the binary "to do or not to do" of the same verb.

JLPT Practice Questions

Now let’s test your understanding.

Q1. が（　　　）、このはすべきだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q2. のがと（　　　）、をだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q3. が（　　　）、はひとつしかない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q4. の（　　　）、は。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q5. 、が（　　　）、は通り。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q6. が（　　　）、（　　　）、のは。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q7. が（　　　）、しても。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q8. （　　　）、だけはをください。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q9. が（　　　）、とのみだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q10. を（　　　）、ははくれない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q11. が（　　　）、のにはない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q12. を（　　　）、はしない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q13. と（　　　）と、はだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q14. が（　　　）、をするがある。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q15. のが（　　　）、はでべきだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Continue Your Journey to Native-Level Fluency

Great work finishing this session! Achieving N1-level precision is about layering these subtle distinctions until they become second nature in your professional life.

To maintain your momentum and eliminate any remaining blind spots, head back to our JLPT N1 Grammar List. Use it to systematically check off each point and refine your ability to navigate complex Japanese environments with the confidence of a native speaker.

JLPT N1 Grammar List

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