Learning objectives
- Lesson goals: Learn dewa aru mai shi for "it's not as if A, so don't B" — rebuttal by contrast.
- Form and connection: [Noun/na-adjective / Plain formの] ではあるまいし
- Nuance in real use: ではあるまいし is Japanese's most direct contrastive rebuttal tool — it negates an identity to argue against a behavior. In Japan's indirect society, it's relatively direct but still logically grounded.
Form and connection
Core Explanation
Learn dewa aru mai shi for "it's not as if A, so don't B" — rebuttal by contrast.
Cultural Note
Practical examples
Common pitfalls
Build the base form before adding the pattern
Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.
Match politeness to the situation
The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.
Practice and answers
Show answer
[Noun/na-adjective / Plain formの] ではあるまいしShow answer
You're not a child — you can do it yourself, right?Show answer
大金持おおがねもちではあるまいし、そんなに無駄遣むだづかいはできない。 ([Noun/na-adjective / Plain formの] ではあるまいし)Continue learning
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