う・よう + が～まいが
Even if, No matter what, Whether or not, [Emphatic], Volitional + が
Structure
Verb ［おう］ + が(1)
Verb［まい］ + が(1)
Noun + だろう.(2) + が(1)
［な］Adjective + だろう(2) + が(1)
［い］Adjective［
Whether or not
Verb ［おう］ + が(1) + Verb［まい］ + が(1)
Noun (A) + だろう(2) + が(1) + Noun (B) だろう(2) + が(1)
［な］Adjective１ + だろう(2) + が(1) + ［な］Adjective２ + だろう(2) + が(1)
［い］Adjective［
(1) と
(2) であろう
Explanation
By pairing a verb's positive and negative volitional forms, this grammar structure expresses that 'no matter if (A) happens or not, (B) will be the outcome'. It carries a strong, determined nuance, literally suggesting something like 'even if you intend to do (A) or intend not to do (A), the result (B) remains unchanged'.
To review, the positive volitional form uses う or よう, based on the verb conjugation, whereas the negative volitional form uses まい. Following both the positive and negative forms, you will find either the case marking particle が or と, with が being the more frequent choice.
- 彼が来ようが来まいが、パーティーは時間どおりに始めます。Whether he comes or not, we're starting the party on time.
- 誰が反対しようがするまいが、私は留学するつもりだ。Regardless of who opposes it, I intend to study abroad.
Although this pattern is most commonly used with verbs, it can also be applied to other word types. The auxiliary verb だ, used with nouns and な-adjectives, can be conjugated volitionally, as can い-adjectives using the かろう form. As a result, this grammar can be adapted for nouns and adjectives. Since the negative volitional まい is not compatible with these forms, a contrasting word (an antonym) is typically used instead, with both words taking the positive volitional う or よう form.
- 料理がおいしかろうがおいしくなかろうが、作ってくれた人のために全部食べなさい。Whether the food is delicious or not, you must eat all of it for the person who made it for you.
- 好きだろうが好きでなかろうが、彼がチームのリーダーであることは事実だ。Whether you like him or not, the fact is that he is the team leader.
- プロであろうがアマチュアであろうが、試合では全力を尽くすべきだ。Whether you're a professional or an amateur, you should give your all in the match.
Because this grammar point is built on volitional forms, it frequently conveys the speaker's firm resolve or conviction, emphasizing that their stance remains unaffected by the conditions in (A).
Examples
どんなに雨が降ろうと、イベントは開催されます。
No matter how much it rains, the event will be held.
周りが何と思おうが、私は自分の夢を追い続ける。
No matter what anyone around me thinks, I will continue to follow my dream.
相手がプロであろうがアマチュアであろうが、全力で戦うだけだ。
Whether the opponent is a professional or an amateur, I'll just fight with all my strength.
テレビを見ていようが見ていまいが、もう少し静かにしてください。
Whether you're watching TV or not, please be a little quieter.
イベントに参加しようが参加するまいが、参加費は同じです。
Whether you participate in the event or not, the entry fee is the same.
値段が高かろうが安かろうが、欲しいものは買うことにしている。
Whether the price is high or low, I make it a rule to buy the things I want.
親にどれだけ叱られようが、私は音楽の道をあきらめない。
No matter how much I'm scolded by my parents, I won't give up on the path of music.
どこに隠れていようがいまいが、必ず見つけ出してやる。
No matter where you're hiding, I'll definitely find you.
郵便配達員は雨だろうが雪だろうが、毎日ちゃんと手紙を届けてくれる。
The mail carrier delivers the mail properly every day, whether it's rain or snow.
彼が約束を覚えていようが覚えていまいが、私はあの場所で待っている。
Whether he remembers the promise or not, I'll be waiting at that place.
勉強しようが勉強しまいが、試験の日はやってくる。
Whether you study or not, the day of the exam will come.
いくらやってみようと、やり方が間違っていたら無駄だ。
No matter how many times you try, if your method is wrong, it's pointless.