〜まじき

〜まじき expresses unbecoming of / should not — communicating the speaker's degree of certainty, judgment, or attitude about a statement. Modal expressions in Japanese range from strong conviction to vague possibility, and choosing the right one conveys important nuance about how sure you are.

This is a highly advanced pattern found mainly in literary works, formal speeches, legal documents, and academic writing. It is rarely used in casual conversation.

When to Use#

• When criticizing behavior as unworthy of someone's role or status
• When expressing that an action should never be committed

When NOT to Use#

• In casual conversation — this sounds literary or stiff; use a simpler expression

Example Sentences#

• 横領は、経営幹部にあるまじき行為です。 — Embezzlement is conduct utterly unbecoming of an executive.
• 差別は、文明社会にあるまじき行為です。 — Discrimination is an act unbecoming of a civilized society.
• インサイダー取引は、役員にあるまじき行為です。 — Insider trading is behavior absolutely unbecoming of a corporate officer.

Practice#

Try reading these sentences aloud, then check the translation and vocabulary:

Common Mistakes#

1. Using 〜まじき in casual conversation — This pattern sounds overly formal or literary in casual speech. Reserve it for formal writing, presentations, or situations that call for elevated language.
2. Direct translation from English — The concept expressed by 〜まじき may not map one-to-one with its English translation. Focus on understanding the Japanese usage through example sentences rather than relying on the English gloss.

Related Patterns#

• 〜べきだ (should / ought to) — Next step