Yukaまずないね is a great casual expression for expressing that something is very unlikely. Let’s learn it!
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| まずない | mazu nai | almost certainly not / very unlikely |
| まずないね | mazu nai ne | That’s not likely / I doubt it (casual) |
| まず | mazu | first / probably not (in this context) |
What Does まずない Mean?
まず (mazu) usually means “first” or “to start with,” but before a negative it means “almost certainly not” or “it would be rare.” まずない = “it’s (almost) certainly not the case”:
- まずないと思う。 — I don’t think that’s likely.
- そんなことはまずない。 — That’s very unlikely.
- まずないね。 — That probably won’t happen. / Not likely.
まずない in Context
A: 彼、約束を守ると思う？
Do you think he’ll keep his promise?
B: まずないね。
Not likely.
—
A: 今日中に終わると思う？
Do you think we’ll finish today?
B: まずないだろうね。
Probably not.
ReiIs it rude to say まずない?
YukaIt’s casual and honest — use it with friends or peers. In formal settings, say “難しいと思います” or “可能性は低いです” instead.
Similar Expressions
| Expression | Meaning | Register |
|---|---|---|
| まずない | Very unlikely | Casual |
| ほぼない | Almost none / barely any | Neutral |
| 可能性は低い | The probability is low | Formal |
| 難しいと思います | I think it’s difficult | Polite |
Quick Quiz
Your friend asks if the sold-out concert has tickets left. You’re skeptical. What do you say?
Answer: まずないね。もう完売だよ。 — Not likely. It’s already sold out.
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