whether ~ or not

Advanced

20-30 min

rare

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Expresses that something is true regardless of whether action is taken.

[Volitional form] + と + [Volitional form negative] + と

行こうと行くまいと、君の自由だ。

Ikou to ikumai to, kimi no jiyuu da.

Whether you go or not, it's up to you.

信じようと信じまいと、これは事実だ。

Shinjiyou to shinjimai to, kore wa jijitsu da.

Whether you believe it or not, this is a fact.

Combines volitional with negative volitional まい.

～ならいざ知らず

~ might be one thing, but; leaving ~ aside

～てやまない

earnestly wish/hope, never stop ~ing

～をものともせずに

not being daunted by ~, in spite of ~

～んがため(に)

in order to ~, for the purpose of ~ (formal/literary)

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 10

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