まじき

まじき is a classical/literary expression meaning "should not," "must not," or "unbecoming of." It is the attributive form (連体形) of the classical auxiliary まじ (expressing negative obligation or prohibition), and it always modifies a noun that follows it. It carries a strong tone of moral judgment or condemnation, stating that something is improper, unacceptable, or unworthy.

Structure

まじき is most common in two patterns:

1. Verb[dictionary form] + まじき + Noun

This pattern describes an action that should not be done, modifying the noun that follows.

2. Noun + に + あるまじき + Noun

This is the most common fixed pattern. あるまじき literally means "should not exist / should not be" and is used to express that something is unbecoming of or unworthy of the person or role indicated by the preceding noun.

Nuance

This expression is formal and literary. It appears frequently in news reports, editorials, formal criticism, and written Japanese. It conveys strong disapproval or moral censure. In everyday conversation, one would typically use 〜～てはいけない or 〜～べきではない instead.

Common collocations

• あるまじき – unbecoming of, unworthy of (by far the most frequent)
• ゆるす許すまじき – unforgivable
• あってはならない is a similar but more modern expression