〜てもいい: permission is a JLPT N4 grammar point. Asks for or gives permission: “may I…?, you may…”. Structure: V-て + もいい(ですか) ・ négation : V-なくてもいい. This page explains the construction, gives Japanese examples with furigana readings, and links to related grammar points at this level.

〜てもいい: permission

Structure

V-て + もいい(ですか) ・ négation : V-なくてもいい

Explanation

Attach もいい to the te-form to say something is allowed: 見てもいい “you may look”. As a question (〜てもいいですか) it asks politely for permission. The negative 〜なくてもいい means “you don't have to”.

Examples

May I take pictures here?

You don't have to come tomorrow.

Quiz preview

  • ても ✓
  • たら
  • ては
  • てから

〜てもいいですか asks for permission: “May I take pictures here?”

  • なくても ✓
  • ないでも
  • なければ
  • なくては

〜なくてもいい means “you don't have to”: you don't have to come tomorrow.

More N4 grammar points

Potential form (“can do”)〜なければならない: must / have to〜たことがある: have done before〜ながら: while doing〜たら: if / when〜かもしれない: maybe〜てはいけない: must not〜と思います: I think that…〜つもりです: to intend to〜たり〜たりする: doing things like…〜てしまう: completely / regrettably

See all N4 points →

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