JLPT N1 grammar

〜ではあるまいしmeaning and usage

Meaning

It's not like A; it isn't as if A

How to form it

  • nounではあるまいし/じゃあるまいし
  • verb (plain form)わけ/のではあるまいし

How it is used

'It's not as if A': dismisses an obviously untrue situation, then gives criticism, advice or an order, often with a reproachful tone. Speech usually says 「じゃあるまいし」; close to 「〜わけじゃないんだから」.

Examples

  1. 子供じゃあるまいしもう少し自分で考えてみない？

    It's not like you're a child, why don't you try thinking by yourself a bit more?

  2. 一生会えないわけではあるまいし、そんなに泣かないで。

    It's not as if we'll never see each other again, so don't cry like that.

  3. プロの料理人じゃあるまいし、そこまで完璧にしなくてもいいよ。

    You're not a professional chef, so it doesn't have to be that perfect.