Explanation at your level:
Hello! Let's learn ～てもいい. This is a very useful phrase in Japanese. It means 'it's okay to do something' or 'you can do something.' Imagine you want to ask your friend if you can borrow their pencil. You can say, ' Pencil, 使ってもいい?' (Tsukatte mo ii?). This means 'Can I use your pencil?' It's like asking for permission. When someone gives you permission, they might say, 'Yes, いいですよ' (Ii desu yo), which means 'Yes, it's okay!' This phrase helps you ask for and give permission politely.
The Japanese phrase ～てもいい is used to express permission. It's like saying 'may' or 'it's okay to' in English. You attach it to the て-form of a verb. For example, if you want to say 'You may enter,' you take the verb 'to enter' (入る - hairu), change it to its て-form (入って - haitte), and add もいい (mo ii) to get 入ってもいい (haitte mo ii). This is very common when asking questions like, '今、行ってもいいですか？' (Ima, itte mo ii desu ka?) - 'May I go now?' It's a polite way to seek approval for your actions.
Mastering ～てもいい is crucial for fluent Japanese conversation. This construction allows you to express permission or indicate that an action is acceptable. It's formed by taking the て-form of a verb and appending もいい. For instance, 聞く (kiku - to ask/listen) becomes 聞いてもいい (kiite mo ii - you may ask/listen). This is frequently used in requests: '質問してもいいですか？' (Shitsumon shite mo ii desu ka?) - 'May I ask a question?' Understanding the nuance of politeness is also important; adding です (desu) makes it more formal: 食べてもいいです (tabete mo ii desu - You may eat).
The grammatical structure ～てもいい serves to grant or solicit permission, functioning similarly to modal verbs like 'may' in English. It's formed by conjugating a verb into its て-form and suffixing もいい. For example, 休む (yasumu - to rest) becomes 休んでもいい (yasunde mo ii - you may rest). Consider the subtle difference between asking for permission ('出発してもいいですか？' - Shuppatsu shite mo ii desu ka? - May I depart?) and stating that something is permissible ('この薬は飲んでもいいです' - Kono kusuri wa nonde mo ii desu - You may take this medicine). Awareness of register is key; while ～てもいい is generally acceptable, ～てもよろしい (te mo yoroshii) is a more formal alternative.
The construction ～てもいい is a fundamental element for expressing permission or lack of prohibition in Japanese. It is derived from the verb's て-form followed by もいい. The particle も (mo) here carries a concessive nuance, implying 'even if this action occurs.' The adjective いい (ii) signifies acceptability. For example, 議論してもいい (giron shite mo ii) means 'it is permissible to discuss.' In academic or professional contexts, one might encounter the more honorific ～て差し支えありません (te sashitsukae arimasen - there is no hindrance), which conveys a similar sense of permissibility but with greater formality. Understanding the pragmatic implications, such as the implied relationship between speaker and listener, is vital for appropriate usage.
The grammatical construct ～てもいい represents a core mechanism for conveying permission or signifying the absence of prohibition in Japanese. Its etymological roots trace back to the conditional particle て combined with the concessive particle も, followed by the adjective いい (good/acceptable). This structure allows for a spectrum of politeness, ranging from the casual ～ていい to the more formal ～てもいいです and the highly deferential ～てもよろしいでしょうか (te mo yoroshii deshō ka). Its semantic field overlaps with expressions like 許可する (kyoka suru - to permit) and 許す (yurusu - to allow), but ～てもいい is significantly more prevalent in everyday discourse. Analyzing its usage in classical texts reveals its long-standing role in Japanese linguistic pragmatics, underscoring its deep integration into the language's expressive capacity.
واژه در 30 ثانیه
- ～てもいい means 'may do' or 'it's okay to do'.
- It's formed by attaching 'mo ii' to the verb's te-form.
- Used to ask for or grant permission.
- More formal versions like '～てもよろしいでしょうか' exist for politeness.
Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese phrase ～てもいい (te mo ii). It's a fantastic way to grant permission or to say that something is perfectly fine to do. Think of it as the Japanese equivalent of saying 'You may...' or 'It's okay to...' in English. It’s a fundamental building block for polite and clear communication in Japanese, especially when you want to ask for or give permission.
You'll often see this structure attached to the て-form (te-form) of a verb. For example, if you want to say 'You may eat,' you'd take the verb 'to eat' (食べる - taberu), change it to its te-form (食べて - tabete), and then add 'もいい' (mo ii) to get 食べてもいい (tabete mo ii).
Understanding ～てもいい is key to navigating everyday conversations in Japan. Whether you're asking if you can borrow a pen, leave the room, or try a new food, this phrase has got your back! It’s all about making sure you can express yourself clearly and respectfully.
The construction ～てもいい is a combination of grammatical elements that have evolved over time in the Japanese language. The core of it lies in the て-form of verbs, which is a versatile conjugation used for various grammatical functions, including linking clauses and expressing requests or permissions.
The particle も (mo) here functions similarly to 'even' or 'also,' suggesting that 'even under this condition (of doing the verb),' it is 'good' or 'acceptable.' The adjective いい (ii), meaning 'good,' is central to conveying the sense of acceptability or permission.
Historically, this structure likely developed from older forms of expressing conditions and their outcomes. The evolution of Japanese grammar has streamlined these expressions into the concise and common form we use today. It’s a testament to how language adapts to become more efficient for everyday communication, allowing speakers to express nuanced ideas like permission with relative ease.
The primary use of ～てもいい is to grant or ask for permission. It’s incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of situations, from casual chats with friends to more formal interactions. Remember, it always follows the て-form of a verb.
Common Verb Combinations:
- 食べてもいい (tabete mo ii): You may eat.
- 飲んでもいい (nonde mo ii): You may drink.
- 行ってもいい (itte mo ii): You may go.
- 使ってもいい (tsukatte mo ii): You may use.
- 聞いてもいい (kiite mo ii): You may ask / You may listen.
Formality: While ～てもいい is generally polite, its level of formality can be adjusted. Adding です (desu) at the end, like 食べてもいいです (tabete mo ii desu), makes it more polite and suitable for formal settings or when speaking to someone of higher status. Conversely, in very casual situations with close friends, you might even hear just ～ていい (te ii) or variations thereof.
Negative Form: To say 'you may not' or 'it's not okay to,' you use ～なくてもいい (nakute mo ii) for 'you don't have to' (lack of obligation) or ～てはいけない (te wa ikenai) for 'you must not' (prohibition). It's important to distinguish these!
While ～てもいい itself is a grammatical construction rather than an idiom, it's often part of expressions that convey permission or acceptance. It's more about the function it serves in phrases.
Here are some related concepts and expressions:
- どうぞお座りください (Dōzo osuwari kudasai): This is a polite way to invite someone to sit, essentially giving permission. While it doesn't use ～てもいい directly, it serves a similar function of granting permission in a very formal way.
- 遠慮なくどうぞ (Enryo naku dōzo): This means 'Please don't hesitate' or 'Feel free.' It's a common way to encourage someone to take something or do something, implying permission. For example, if someone is hesitant to take a snack, you might say, '遠慮なくどうぞ！' (Enryo naku dōzo!).
- 構いません (Kamaimasen): This means 'I don't mind' or 'It doesn't matter.' It's a response that indicates acceptance or permission. If someone asks, 'May I close the window?' you could reply, '構いませんよ' (Kamaimasen yo), meaning 'I don't mind, go ahead.'
- 自由にしていい (Jiyū ni shite ii): This translates to 'You can do as you please' or 'Feel free to do it.' It grants a high degree of freedom and permission. For instance, 'この部屋は自由に使っていいですよ' (Kono heya wa jiyū ni tsukatte ii desu yo) - 'You're free to use this room.'
- 許可します (Kyoka shimasu): This is the direct verb 'to permit' or 'to allow,' often used in more official contexts. It's the formal counterpart to the feeling conveyed by ～てもいい.
Let's break down the grammar and pronunciation of ～てもいい. The structure is quite straightforward once you master the て-form of verbs.
Verb Conjugation: You need to conjugate the main verb into its て-form. For example:
- Group 1 (u-verbs): 飲む (nomu) → 飲んで (nonde)
- Group 2 (ru-verbs): 食べる (taberu) → 食べて (tabete)
- Irregular verbs: する (suru) → して (shite), 来る (kuru) → きて (kite)
Once you have the て-form, you simply attach もいい (mo ii). So, 飲んで + もいい = 飲んでもいい (nonde mo ii).
Pronunciation:
- UK Pronunciation: /tɛ məʊ ˈiː/ (teh moh ee)
- US Pronunciation: /tɛ moʊ ˈi/ (teh moh ee)
The sounds are quite similar. The 'e' in 'te' is like the 'e' in 'bet.' The 'o' in 'mo' is like the 'o' in 'go.' The 'i' in 'ii' is like the 'ee' in 'see,' and it's a long sound, almost like saying 'ee-ee'.
Stress: The stress naturally falls on the syllable 'ii,' giving it a slightly longer and more emphasized sound. There isn't a strong, distinct stress pattern like in English; it's more about the natural flow of the Japanese language.
Rhyming Words: While direct rhyming isn't a major feature of Japanese grammar in the same way as English poetry, words ending in similar sounds can create a sense of rhythm. Words ending in '-ii' include: いい (ii - good), 多い (ōi - many), 遅い (osoi - late), etc. However, these don't 'rhyme' in the English sense but share phonetic endings.
Fun Fact
The structure combines the conjunctive 'te'-form of verbs with the particle 'mo' (even/also) and the adjective 'ii' (good), showcasing how Japanese grammar builds complex meanings from simpler components.
Pronunciation Guide
The 'te' sounds like the 'te' in 'ten'. The 'mo' sounds like the 'mo' in 'more'. The 'ii' sounds like a long 'ee' as in 'see'.
Similar to UK, the 'te' is like in 'bet', 'mo' like in 'go', and 'ii' is a drawn-out 'ee' sound.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'ii' as two short 'i' sounds instead of one long one.
- Adding unnecessary stress to 'mo' instead of the natural flow.
- Incorrectly forming the te-form of the verb before adding 'mo ii'.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read once the te-form is understood.
Requires correct te-form conjugation.
Relatively easy to pronounce and use in basic sentences.
Common phrase, easily recognizable.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
پیشرفته
Grammar to Know
Verb Te-Form Conjugation
飲む (nomu) -> 飲んで (nonde)
Expressing Prohibition
走ってはいけない (hashitte wa ikenai - must not run)
Expressing Lack of Obligation
休まなくてもいい (yasumanakute mo ii - don't have to rest)
Examples by Level
これ、食べてもいい？
This, eat-TE permission-GOOD?
Verb te-form + もいい?
窓を開けてもいいですか？
Window open-TE permission-GOOD-polite?
Polite question form.
はい、どうぞ。
Yes, please.
Common response granting permission.
写真をとってもいいですか？
Picture take-TE permission-GOOD-polite?
Using te-form with 'suru' verbs.
その本を使ってもいい？
That book use-TE permission-GOOD?
Asking to use an object.
大丈夫ですよ。
Okay-is-is-polite.
Reassuring response.
ここで待ってもいいですか？
Here wait-TE permission-GOOD-polite?
Asking permission to wait.
明日、休んでもいいですか？
Tomorrow, rest-TE permission-GOOD-polite?
Asking permission for absence.
このペンを使ってもいいですか？
This pen use-TE permission-GOOD-polite?
Common polite request.
はい、どうぞ使ってください。
Yes, please use-TE.
Granting permission with encouragement.
ここで写真を撮ってもいいですか？
Here picture take-TE permission-GOOD-polite?
Standard phrase for photography permission.
すみません、少し遅れてもいいですか？
Excuse me, a little late-TE permission-GOOD-polite?
Asking permission for tardiness.
この部屋に入ってもいいですか？
This room enter-TE permission-GOOD-polite?
Requesting entry.
大丈夫ですよ、入ってください。
Okay-is-is-polite, enter-TE-please.
Giving permission and inviting.
宿題を明日までに出してもいいですか？
Homework tomorrow until submit-TE permission-GOOD-polite?
Requesting deadline extension.
いいですよ、でも次からは気をつけてくださいね。
Good-is-polite, but next from care-TE please-polite-particle.
Conditional permission.
この資料をコピーしてもいいですか？
This document copy-TE permission-GOOD-polite?
Standard request in an office environment.
ええ、構いませんよ。どうぞ。
Yes, mind-not-polite. Please.
Common polite affirmative response.
会議の前に、少し資料を読んでもいいですか？
Meeting before, a little document read-TE permission-GOOD-polite?
Requesting time for preparation.
この件について、もう少し詳しく聞いてもいいでしょうか？
This matter about, a little more detail listen-TE permission-GOOD-polite?
Seeking clarification politely.
はい、もちろんです。何でも聞いてください。
Yes, of course. Anything ask-TE-please.
Enthusiastic granting of permission to ask.
このデザインについて、意見を言ってもいいですか？
This design about, opinion say-TE permission-GOOD-polite?
Asking for permission to voice an opinion.
明日、早退してもいいですか？急用ができてしまいました。
Tomorrow, leave-early-TE permission-GOOD-polite? Urgent matter happened.
Requesting early departure.
承知しました。お大事に。
Understood. Take care.
Formal acknowledgement and well wishes.
このプロジェクトの件で、担当者に直接連絡してもよろしいでしょうか？
This project's matter about, person in charge directly contact-TE permission-GOOD-polite?
Using 'yoroshii deshou ka' for higher politeness.
差し支えなければ、その提案について詳細を伺ってもよろしいですか？
Hindrance-if-not, that proposal about details ask-TE permission-GOOD-polite?
'Sashitsukae' implies 'if it's not inconvenient'.
この件に関しては、社内規定により、写真撮影はご遠慮いただいております。
This matter regarding, company rules according to, photo taking is please refrain-TE.
Formal refusal using negative polite request.
もしよろしければ、会議の議事録を拝見してもよろしいでしょうか？
If good-polite, meeting's minutes view-TE permission-GOOD-polite?
Polite request to see documents.
このソフトウェアのデモ版を試用しても問題ありませんか？
This software's demo version try-TE problem no-is?
Using 'mondai arimasen ka' (Is there a problem?) to ask permission.
もちろん、ご自由にお試しください。不明な点はございますか？
Of course, freely please try. Unclear points exist?
Granting permission freely and offering help.
この資料を外部に持ち出しても構いませんか？
This document outside take-out-TE mind-not-polite?
'Kamaimasen ka' is a polite way to ask 'Is it okay?'
原則として許可されていませんが、今回は特別に認めましょう。
As a principle permitted not-is, but this time specially permit-let's.
Explaining a rule and granting an exception.
この機密情報について、部外秘として取り扱っていただいてもよろしいでしょうか？
This confidential information about, not for external use as handle-TE permission-GOOD-polite?
Formal request regarding handling of sensitive data.
貴社のご承認を得られれば、当方で資料を作成することも可能かと存じます。
Your company's approval obtain-if, our side document create also possible think.
Indirectly asking for permission by proposing a possibility.
本件につきまして、関係各所への照会を差し控えさせていただいてもよろしいでしょうか。
This matter regarding, relevant parties inquiry refrain-TE permission-GOOD-polite?
Formal phrasing for requesting to avoid certain actions.
この研究結果の公表に関し、事前にご相談させていただいてもよろしいでしょうか。
This research result's publication regarding, beforehand consult-TE permission-GOOD-polite?
Seeking permission for a formal process.
貴殿のご都合がよろしければ、一度お目にかかりたいと存じますが、いかがでしょうか。
Your honor's convenience good-if, once meet-TE think-but, how?
Highly polite request for a meeting.
この度の人事異動につきまして、異議を唱えさせていただいてもよろしいでしょうか。
This time's personnel change regarding, objection raise-TE permission-GOOD-polite?
Formal request to express disagreement.
当該契約の解釈について、当方の見解を述べさせていただいてもよろしいでしょうか。
Said contract's interpretation about, our side's view state-TE permission-GOOD-polite?
Formal request to present an interpretation.
ご多忙の折とは存じますが、ご検討いただけますと幸いです。
Busy time know-but, consider-TE polite-if happy-will-be.
Implies permission to request consideration.
この度の件、貴社のご意向を伺った上で、しかるべき対応を取らせていただいてもよろしいでしょうか。
This time's matter, your company's intention heard upon, proper response take-TE permission-GOOD-polite?
Highly formal and nuanced request for action.
本件に関する最終決定権は貴社にあると拝察いたしますが、当方としても意見を具申させていただいてもよろしいでしょうか。
This matter regarding final decision right your company in is understand-but, our side also opinion state-TE permission-GOOD-polite?
Complex sentence acknowledging hierarchy while seeking permission to speak.
当該条項の解釈につきまして、細部にわたるご説明を差し上げてもよろしいでしょうか。
Said clause's interpretation regarding, details regarding explanation give-TE permission-GOOD-polite?
Very formal request for detailed explanation.
貴社のご承認を前提といたしますが、本件につきまして、我々の方で一次的な調査を行わせていただいてもよろしいでしょうか。
Your company's approval premise-is-but, this matter regarding, we side preliminary investigation conduct-TE permission-GOOD-polite?
Formal request for preliminary action pending approval.
この度の提案内容につきまして、貴社のご意向を尊重しつつ、若干の修正案を提示させていただいてもよろしいでしょうか。
This time's proposal content regarding, your company's intention respect-while, slight revision proposal present-TE permission-GOOD-polite?
Nuanced request to propose modifications.
本件の進捗状況について、関係部署への情報共有をさせていただいてもよろしいでしょうか。
This matter's progress status about, related departments information sharing-TE permission-GOOD-polite?
Formal request for inter-departmental communication.
貴社のご判断を仰ぐ前に、当方にて最終確認を行わせていただいてもよろしいでしょうか。
Your company's judgment seek-before, our side final confirmation conduct-TE permission-GOOD-polite?
Formal request for internal finalization.
この度の件、貴社のご厚意に甘えさせていただき、ご指示を仰ぎたく存じます。
This time's matter, your company's kindness rely-on-TE, instructions seek-want think.
Highly polite expression of reliance and seeking guidance.
ترکیبهای رایج
Idioms & Expressions
"遠慮なくどうぞ (Enryo naku dōzo)"
Please don't hesitate; feel free.
「お菓子、食べてもいい？」 「うん、遠慮なくどうぞ！」 ('Okashi, tabete mo ii?' 'Un, enryo naku dōzo!') ('May I eat some snacks?' 'Yes, please don't hesitate!')
casual/polite"自由にしていい (Jiyū ni shite ii)"
You can do as you please; feel free to do it.
この部屋は自由に使っていいですよ。(Kono heya wa jiyū ni tsukatte ii desu yo. - You are free to use this room.)
casual/neutral"構いません (Kamaimasen)"
I don't mind; it doesn't matter (used to grant permission or show acceptance).
「窓を閉めてもいいですか？」 「構いませんよ。」 ('Mado o shimete mo ii desu ka?' 'Kamaimasen yo.' ('May I close the window?' 'I don't mind.'))
neutral/polite"ご自由にどうぞ (Go jiyū ni dōzo)"
Please help yourself; do as you please (often used when offering something).
お飲み物、ご自由にどうぞ。(O-nomimono, go jiyū ni dōzo. - Please help yourself to the drinks.)
polite"許可します (Kyoka shimasu)"
I permit; I allow (formal term for granting permission).
校長先生が校庭での活動を許可しました。(Kōchō-sensei ga kōtei de no katsudō o kyoka shimashita. - The principal permitted activities on the school grounds.)
formal"差し支えありません (Sashitsukae arimasen)"
There is no problem; it is permissible (very formal).
この件について、さらに調査を進めても差し支えありません。(Kono ken ni tsuite, sara ni chōsa o susumete mo sashitsukae arimasen. - There is no problem proceeding with further investigation into this matter.)
very formalEasily Confused
Both use the te-form and relate to the verb's action, but one grants permission and the other removes obligation.
～てもいい = May do (Permission). ～なくてもいい = Don't have to do (No Obligation).
「勉強してもいいですか？」 (May I study?) vs 「勉強しなくてもいいですか？」 (Do I not have to study?)
Both involve verb forms and indicate the status of an action, but they are direct opposites.
～てもいい = May do (Permission). ～てはいけない = Must not do (Prohibition).
「走ってもいいです。」 (You may run.) vs 「走ってはいけません。」 (You must not run.)
Very similar meaning (permission), but differs in formality.
～てもいい is standard polite. ～てもよろしい is more formal and respectful.
「これを借りてもいいですか？」 (May I borrow this?) vs 「これを拝借してもよろしいでしょうか？」 (Would it be permissible for me to borrow this? - very formal)
Often used as a response to grant permission, similar to ～てもいい.
～てもいい is used to ask for or state permission. ～ても構いません primarily means 'I don't mind' and is often used as a response to grant permission.
Asking: 「窓を開けてもいいですか？」 (May I open the window?) Response: 「はい、構いませんよ。」 (Yes, I don't mind / it's okay.)
Sentence Patterns
Verb (て-form) + もいいですか？
このペンを使ってもいいですか？ (Kono pen o tsukatte mo ii desu ka?)
Verb (て-form) + もいいです。
はい、どうぞ。座ってもいいです。(Hai, dōzo. Suwatte mo ii desu.)
すみません、 + Verb (て-form) + もいいですか？
すみません、質問してもいいですか？ (Sumimasen, shitsumon shite mo ii desu ka?)
Verb (て-form) + なくてもいいです。
急がなくてもいいですよ。(Isoganakute mo ii desu yo.)
Verb (て-form) + てもよろしいでしょうか？
資料を拝見してもよろしいでしょうか？ (Shorui o haiken shite mo yoroshii deshō ka?)
خانواده کلمه
Verbs
Adjectives
مرتبط
How to Use It
Formality Scale
اشتباهات رایج
The structure requires the te-form of the verb to indicate the action for which permission is being sought.
The presence or absence of the 'na' sound drastically changes the meaning from permission to non-obligation.
～てもいい grants permission; it does not forbid actions. For example, '走ってもいい' (hashitte mo ii) means 'you may run,' not 'you must not run.'
Group 1 verbs have specific rules for te-form conjugation (e.g., 'u' changes to 'tte', 'tsu' to 'tte', 'ru' to 'tte', 'nu'/'mu'/'bu' to 'nde', 'ku' to 'ite', 'gu' to 'ide', 'su' to 'shite').
While ～てもいい is polite, it can sound too casual in very formal business or official settings.
Tips
Te-form is Key!
Always remember that the verb MUST be in its te-form before adding 'mo ii'. Practice your te-form conjugations!
When in Doubt, Be More Polite
If you're unsure about the formality level, use '～てもいいですか？' or even better, '～てもよろしいでしょうか？' to be safe.
Respect Hierarchy
Japanese culture values politeness and respect for elders or superiors. Adjust your language accordingly when asking for permission.
Permission vs. Obligation
Don't confuse '～てもいい' (may do) with '～なくてもいい' (don't have to do). The difference is crucial!
Long 'ii' sound
Pay attention to the long 'ii' sound in 'ii' (いい). It's like saying 'ee-ee' smoothly.
Avoid Dictionary Form!
A very common mistake is using the dictionary form (e.g., 'iku') instead of the te-form ('itte') before 'mo ii'.
Building Blocks
Japanese grammar often builds complex expressions by combining simpler elements, like 'te-form + mo + ii'.
Role-Playing Practice
Practice asking for and granting permission with a language partner. Act out different scenarios (ordering food, asking to borrow things, etc.).
Responding with Permission
Common ways to grant permission include 'はい、いいですよ (Hai, ii desu yo)', 'どうぞ (Dōzo)', '構いません (Kamaimasen)', or '大丈夫です (Daijōbu desu)'.
Negative Permission
Remember, the opposite of permission isn't just 'no', it's prohibition. Use '～てはいけない' for strong 'don't'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Te'll 'Mo're 'I'nformation if it's 'ii' (good/okay)!' - This is a stretch, but helps remember the parts: Te-form + Mo + Ii.
Visual Association
Imagine a green traffic light (go/okay) with a speech bubble saying 'Te mo ii!'.
Word Web
چالش
Try asking permission for 5 different actions you might do today using ～てもいいですか？
ریشه کلمه
Japanese
Original meaning: Literally 'even if good,' implying that 'even under the condition of doing X, it is good/acceptable.'
بافت فرهنگی
While generally polite, using ～てもいい with superiors might be considered too casual. Opting for ～てもよろしいでしょうか is safer in formal business or hierarchical settings.
In English-speaking cultures, permission is often granted directly ('Yes, you can') or indirectly ('That's fine'). The Japanese '～てもいい' structure is very direct in seeking or giving permission.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Asking for permission in daily life
- 「これ、食べてもいい？」 (Can I eat this?)
- 「窓を開けてもいいですか？」 (May I open the window?)
- 「写真をとってもいいですか？」 (May I take a picture?)
In a classroom or office
- 「質問してもいいですか？」 (May I ask a question?)
- 「コピーを使ってもいいですか？」 (May I use the copier?)
- 「早退してもいいですか？」 (May I leave early?)
Offering something politely
- 「どうぞ、お座りください。」 (Please, have a seat. - Implies permission)
- 「ご自由にお取りください。」 (Please help yourself. - Implies permission)
- 「遠慮なくおっしゃってください。」 (Please feel free to speak.)
Formal business interactions
- 「ご相談させていただいてもよろしいでしょうか？」 (Would it be permissible to consult with you?)
- 「資料を拝見してもよろしいでしょうか？」 (May I see the documents?)
- 「ご承認いただけますでしょうか？」 (Would it be possible to receive your approval? - Implies permission)
Conversation Starters
"Can I try this new cafe? (この新しいカフェに行ってもいい？)"
"Is it okay if I borrow your charger for a bit? (ちょっとだけ充電器を借りてもいい？)"
"May I ask you a personal question? (個人的な質問をしてもいい？)"
"Do you mind if I turn on the fan? (扇風機をつけてもいい？)"
"Is it okay to leave my bag here for a moment? (カバンをここに少し置いてもいい？)"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you had to ask for permission. What did you say? (using ～てもいい)
Write about a situation where someone granted you permission. How did you feel?
Imagine you are a teacher. Write down 3 things you would allow your students to do in class.
Think of a rule you wish you could break. How would you ask for permission if it were possible?
سوالات متداول
8 سوال～てもいい means 'it's okay to do X' or 'you may do X' (permission). ～なくてもいい means 'you don't have to do X' (lack of obligation).
Use ～てはいけない (te wa ikenai) or ～てはだめ (te wa dame). These express prohibition.
It is generally polite, but its level of politeness depends on context and the addition of 'desu'. For very formal situations or when speaking to superiors, '～てもよろしいでしょうか' is preferred.
Yes, you must conjugate the verb into its <strong>て-form</strong> before adding 'もいい'.
You can use phrases like '～てもよろしいです' or '～ても差し支えありません'.
No, ～てもいい is attached to the <strong>て-form</strong> of verbs. For adjectives, different structures are used to express permission or possibility.
～てもいい directly grants permission ('you may'). ～ても構いません means 'I don't mind' or 'it's okay,' and is often used as a response to grant permission.
The direct negative of granting permission is prohibition (～てはいけない). The related structure ～なくてもいい means 'don't have to', indicating lack of obligation, not prohibition.
خودت رو بسنج
このジュースを ______？
The sentence is asking for permission to drink, so '飲んでもいい' (may drink) is the correct choice.
Which phrase means 'You may go'?
'行ってもいい' uses the te-form of '行く' (iku) plus 'もいい' to express permission to go.
The phrase '～てもいい' is used to prohibit an action.
～てもいい grants permission; it does not prohibit actions. ～てはいけない or ～てはだめ are used for prohibition.
Word
معنی
These pairs demonstrate common requests and statements of permission using ～てもいい.
The correct order for asking permission is 'Sumimasen, shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?' (Excuse me, may I take a picture?). Note: 'ii desu ka' is the standard polite question form.
この部屋は ______。
The sentence implies permission to use the room, making '使ってもいいです' (you may use it) the most appropriate choice.
Which phrase is the most formal way to ask for permission among these options?
'食べてもよろしいでしょうか？' uses the more formal 'yoroshii' and the polite question ending 'deshou ka', making it the most formal.
In Japanese business settings, it is always appropriate to use '～てもいい' when asking a superior for permission.
While '～てもいい' is polite, more formal expressions like '～てもよろしいでしょうか' or '～ても差し支えありません' are generally preferred when addressing superiors or in very formal contexts.
貴社のご承認を得られれば、当方で対応 ______。
'させていただけます' (sasete itadakemasu) is a humble and polite way to say 'I would be allowed to do' or 'I may be able to do,' implying permission is sought and granted humbly.
The correct order for a very formal request to confirm progress is: 'Honken no shinchoku ni tsuite, kakunin sasete itadaite mo yoroshii deshō ka?' (Regarding the progress of this matter, would it be permissible for me to confirm?)
امتیاز: /10
Summary
Mastering ～てもいい is essential for politely asking for and giving permission in Japanese.
- ～てもいい means 'may do' or 'it's okay to do'.
- It's formed by attaching 'mo ii' to the verb's te-form.
- Used to ask for or grant permission.
- More formal versions like '～てもよろしいでしょうか' exist for politeness.
Te-form is Key!
Always remember that the verb MUST be in its te-form before adding 'mo ii'. Practice your te-form conjugations!
When in Doubt, Be More Polite
If you're unsure about the formality level, use '～てもいいですか？' or even better, '～てもよろしいでしょうか？' to be safe.
Respect Hierarchy
Japanese culture values politeness and respect for elders or superiors. Adjust your language accordingly when asking for permission.
Permission vs. Obligation
Don't confuse '～てもいい' (may do) with '～なくてもいい' (don't have to do). The difference is crucial!
Related Content
واژههای بیشتر health
異変がある
B1To have an unusual change or abnormality.
異常な
B1Abnormal; unusual; irregular.
擦り傷
B1Scratch, graze, abrasion.
吸収する
B1To absorb.
禁酒
B1Abstinence from alcohol; the act of refraining from alcohol.
痛む
A2to hurt; to ache
鍼灸
B1Acupuncture and moxibustion; traditional Chinese medicine treatments.
急性的
B1Acute.
急性な
B1Acute
急性の
B1Acute; sudden and severe.
