What it means
まい expresses a firm intention not to do something, often translated as “I will not” or “I resolve not to.” It is attached to a verb’s dictionary form and emphasizes the speaker’s determination, especially when rejecting a previous habit or deciding against a future action. It is formal and literary in tone, and it is more common in writing, speeches, and serious statements than in ordinary conversation.
Usage note
まい is not the polite equivalent of ません. Although it expresses the speaker’s intention, it usually remains stylistically formal or literary; in everyday polite Japanese, a form such as ません or ないつもりです is generally more natural.
Example sentences
私は二度と同じ過ちを繰り返すまいと、毎日記録を見直している。
I resolve never to repeat the same mistake, so I review my records every day.
今後は、未確認の情報を公の場で広めるまいと決意した。
From now on, I resolved not to spread unverified information in public.