ざあ

expression

if it is not ...; if it does not ...

Archaic or highly literary expression. Attaches to the -nai stem of a verb, usually paired with まい, especially as 〜ざあなるまい. Expresses a negative conditional: 'if it is not ...' or 'if it does not ...'. Not used in modern everyday speech.

See also: まい

• 「行いかざあなるまい」は古ふるい言いい回まわしで、「行いかなければならないだろう」という意い味みだ。

  「行かざあなるまい」 is an old expression meaning 'I will probably have to go'.