～てもいい
When you want to say that something is permitted or that it's okay to do something, you can use the pattern ～てもいい (temo ii). This literally translates to 'even if I do this, it's good' or 'it's okay even if I do this.'
To use this, you take the te-form of a verb and add もいい (mo ii). For example, if you want to say 'it's okay to eat,' you would take the te-form of 食べる (taberu - to eat), which is 食べ (tabe), and add てもいい (temo ii) to get 食べてもいい (tabetemo ii).
It's a really useful phrase for asking for permission or giving permission. You'll hear it a lot in everyday Japanese conversations.
When you want to ask for or give permission in Japanese, you can use the grammar pattern ～てもいい (temo ii). This literally translates to “it is good even if…” but is more naturally understood as “may I…?” or “it’s okay to…” in English. This is a very useful and common phrase in daily conversation, and mastering it will greatly expand your ability to interact in Japanese. It's often used when asking for permission to do something, or when stating that something is permitted.
To form this, you take the te-form of a verb and add もいい (mo ii). For example, if you want to say “May I go?” you would take the te-form of 行く (iku – to go), which is 行って (itte), and add もいい, making it 行ってもいいですか (ittemo ii desu ka?). The ですか makes it a polite question. You can also use it to give permission, such as 食べてもいいです (tabetemo ii desu), meaning “You may eat.”
It’s important to note that while ～てもいい is generally polite, especially with ですか, in very formal situations or when addressing someone of much higher status, you might opt for more deferential expressions. However, for most everyday interactions at the B1 level, this form is perfectly appropriate and understood. You will hear and use this frequently in Japan.
When you want to give or ask for permission in Japanese, you can use the grammar pattern ～てもいい. This phrase literally means "even if X, it is good," or more naturally, "it is okay to X."
It's important to remember that while this is a common way to grant permission, it can sometimes sound a little direct. For a softer approach, especially in more formal situations, you might consider using different phrasing.
However, for everyday conversations among friends or in casual settings, ～てもいい is perfectly natural and widely understood. It's a fundamental expression for navigating social interactions where permission is involved.
Mastering this pattern will significantly help you in asking for and granting permission, making your Japanese more fluent and natural in various contexts.
When used with a verb in the -te form, this grammar pattern means "may" or "it is okay to." This is used to ask for or give permission.
For example, if you want to ask if it's okay to open the window, you would say: 「窓を開けてもいいですか。」(Mado o aketemo ii desu ka?) which literally means "Is it okay if I open the window?"
You can also use this pattern to give permission. For example, to say "You may go home now," you would say: 「もう帰ってもいいですよ。」(Mou kaettemo ii desu yo.)
The opposite of this pattern, meaning "must not" or "you may not," is ～てはいけない (～tewa ikenai).
§ Understanding ～てもいい
The Japanese phrase ～てもいい (temo ii) is super useful for talking about permission. It literally means 'even if you do X, it's good,' which translates to 'it's okay to do X' or 'you may do X' in English. This is a common way to both ask for and grant permission in Japanese. Let's break down how to use it.
- Japanese Word
- ～てもいい
- Definition
- May; it's okay to.
- CEFR Level
- B1
§ How to Form ～てもいい
To use ～てもいい, you need to attach it to the te-form of a verb. If you're not confident with te-forms yet, go back and review them! It's a fundamental part of Japanese grammar.
- For verbs: Change the verb to its te-form, then add ～もいい.
Let's see some examples:
- 読む (yomu - to read) → 読んで (yonde) → 読んでもいい (yonde mo ii)
- 食べる (taberu - to eat) → 食べて (tabete) → 食べてもいい (tabete mo ii)
- する (suru - to do) → して (shite) → してもいい (shite mo ii)
- 来る (kuru - to come) → 来て (kite) → 来てもいい (kite mo ii)
§ Asking for Permission
When you want to ask for permission, you simply add the question particle か (ka) to the end of ～てもいい, making it ～てもいいですか (temo ii desu ka).
ここに座ってもいいですか？
- English Hint
- May I sit here? / Is it okay if I sit here?
このペンを使ってもいいですか？
- English Hint
- May I use this pen? / Is it okay if I use this pen?
窓を開けてもいいですか？
- English Hint
- May I open the window? / Is it okay if I open the window?
§ Granting Permission
To give permission, you use the same ～てもいい structure, often followed by です (desu) to make it polite, or just ～てもいい in casual speech.
ええ、食べてもいいです。
- English Hint
- Yes, you may eat. / Yes, it's okay to eat.
もう帰ってもいいよ。
- English Hint
- You can go home now. / It's okay to go home now.
You might also hear いいですよ (ii desu yo) as a simple way to grant permission, especially after someone asks ～てもいいですか.
§ Denying Permission (Briefly)
While this section focuses on granting permission, it's good to know how to deny it briefly. The opposite of ～てもいい is ～てはいけない (te wa ikenai) or ～てはだめです (te wa dame desu), which means 'you must not do X' or 'it's not allowed.' We'll cover this in more detail another time, but for now, just be aware.
ここに座ってはいけない。
- English Hint
- You must not sit here. / It's not okay to sit here.
§ Practice Time
The best way to get comfortable with ～てもいい is to use it. Try to form some sentences yourself. For example, how would you ask if you can take a picture? Or say that it's okay for someone to drink water? Keep practicing!
Le savais-tu ?
This construction is incredibly versatile and you'll hear it constantly in Japan for everything from asking for a menu to getting permission to leave work early.
Exemples par niveau
ここにすわってもいいですか。
May I sit here?
はい、すわってもいいです。
Yes, you may sit.
このペンをつかってもいいですか。
May I use this pen?
いいえ、つかってはいけません。
No, you may not use it.
ドアをあけてもいいですか。
May I open the door?
ええ、あけてもいいですよ。
Yes, you may open it.
たばこをすってもいいですか。
May I smoke?
すみません、ここではすってはいけません。
Excuse me, you may not smoke here.
ここに座ってもいいですか？
May I sit here?
A common way to ask for permission.
もう帰ってもいいですか？
Is it okay if I go home now?
Used when asking for permission to leave.
これは食べてもいいよ。
You can eat this.
Giving permission to someone.
質問してもいいですか？
May I ask a question?
Asking for permission to ask a question.
あの本を借りてもいいですか？
Can I borrow that book?
Asking for permission to borrow something.
ここに荷物を置いてもいいですか？
Is it okay if I put my luggage here?
Asking for permission to place something.
写真を撮ってもいいですか？
May I take a picture?
Commonly used to ask for permission to take photos.
もう少しここにいてもいいですか？
Can I stay here a bit longer?
Asking for permission to extend a stay.
ここに座ってもいいですか？
May I sit here?
A common way to ask for permission.
これは食べてもいいですか？
Is it okay to eat this?
Asking if something is permissible to consume.
もう帰ってもいいですよ。
You can go home now.
Granting permission for someone to leave.
電話を借りてもいいですか？
May I borrow your phone?
Politely asking to use something belonging to another.
この本を読んでもいい？
Is it okay if I read this book?
A slightly more casual way to ask for permission.
まだ宿題が終わっていないけど、遊びに行ってもいいですか？
My homework isn't finished yet, but can I go play?
Asking for permission despite an incomplete task.
遅れてもいいから、来てください。
It's okay if you're late, please come.
Indicating that lateness is acceptable.
あの部屋に入ってもいいですか？
May I enter that room?
Asking for permission to enter a space.
ここに座ってもいいですか？
May I sit here?
もう帰ってもいい時間だよ。
It's already time you can go home.
これは食べてもいいの？
Is it okay to eat this?
ちょっと待ってもいいですか？
Could you wait a moment?
この本、借りてもいいですか？
May I borrow this book?
窓を開けてもいいですか？
Is it okay if I open the window?
写真を撮ってもいいですか？
May I take a picture?
もう少しここにいてもいい？
Can I stay here a bit longer?
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
ここに入ってもいいですか？
May I come in here?
これを食べてもいいですか？
May I eat this?
水を飲んでもいいですか？
May I drink water?
このペンを使ってもいいですか？
May I use this pen?
質問してもいいですか？
May I ask a question?
テレビを見てもいいですか？
May I watch TV?
この本を借りてもいいですか？
May I borrow this book?
窓を開けてもいいですか？
May I open the window?
ドアを閉めてもいいですか？
May I close the door?
ここに座ってもいいですか？
May I sit here?
Souvent confondu avec
This is the question form, asking 'May I...?' or 'Is it okay to...?'
This means 'must not do' or 'it is not allowed to do,' the direct opposite of てもいい.
A more casual way to say 'it's okay to' or 'it's fine to,' often used to reassure someone.
Modèles grammaticaux
Facile à confondre
This phrase is often confused because of its flexibility in expressing permission. Learners might struggle to differentiate it from other polite forms or direct commands.
てもいい is used to ask for or grant permission, indicating that an action is acceptable. It's less formal than other polite forms and directly addresses whether something 'is okay.'
ここに座ってもいいですか？ (Is it okay to sit here?)
Learners often mix this up with てもいい because both involve 'て' form verbs, but their functions are quite different: one is a request, the other is permission.
てください is a request or a command. It means 'please do (something).' It's about telling someone to do an action, not asking if an action is permissible.
この本を読んでください。 (Please read this book.)
This is often confused with てもいい because both deal with what is allowed or required. However, ければならない expresses obligation, which is the opposite of permission.
なければならない means 'must do' or 'have to do.' It conveys obligation or necessity, while てもいい expresses that something is optional or permitted.
明日までに宿題をしなければならない。 (I must do my homework by tomorrow.)
This phrase is very similar to てもいい, causing confusion about when to use which, especially since both convey permission.
てもかまわない is a slightly more formal or emphatic way of saying 'it's okay to do' or 'I don't mind if you do.' It often implies a slight indifference or a stronger confirmation of permission than てもいい.
ここでお待ちいただいてもかまわないです。 (It's perfectly fine for you to wait here.)
Similar to てもいい and てもかまわない, てもよい also expresses permission, making it challenging for learners to distinguish subtle nuances.
てもよい is a more formal or written form of てもいい. While it carries the same meaning of 'it's okay to do' or 'may,' it's less commonly used in casual spoken Japanese.
この資料を読んでもよい。 (You may read this document.)
Structures de phrases
V-te + もいいです
食べてもいいです。(You may eat.)
V-te + もいいですか
座ってもいいですか。(May I sit down?)
N + でもいいです
お茶でもいいです。(Tea is fine/okay too.)
N + でもいいですか
コーヒーでもいいですか。(Is coffee okay/fine?)
Adj-i (neg) + くて + もいいです
忙しくなくてもいいです。(It's okay even if you're not busy.)
Adj-na (neg) + でなくて + もいいです
好きでなくてもいいです。(It's okay even if you don't like it.)
V-nai + くてもいいです
行かなくてもいいです。(You don't have to go. / It's okay if you don't go.)
V-te + もかまいません
使ってもかまいません。(You may use it. / It doesn't matter if you use it.)
Famille de mots
Noms
Adjectifs
Comment l'utiliser
The Japanese phrase ～てもいい (~te mo ii) is used to express permission or to state that something is acceptable. It literally translates to 'even if you do X, it is good' or 'doing X is good'. This phrase is formed by taking the te-form of a verb, adding も (mo), and then adding いい (ii).
A common mistake is confusing ～てもいい (~te mo ii) with ～なければならない (~nakereba naranai) which means 'must' or 'have to'. Remember that ～てもいい grants permission, while ～なければならない expresses obligation. Another mistake is forgetting to use the te-form of the verb before adding もいい.
Astuces
Basic Structure
The basic structure is Verb (て-form) + もいい. This means 'it's okay to do [verb]'. For example, 食べてもいい (tabete mo ii) means 'it's okay to eat'.
Permission
Use ～てもいい to ask for or grant permission. '入ってもいいですか？' (Haitte mo ii desu ka?) means 'May I enter?'
Negative Permission
To say 'it's not okay to do [verb]', you use ～てはいけません (te wa ikemasen) or ～てはだめです (te wa dame desu). Don't use ～てもよくない.
No Obligation
When used with a negative verb, it can mean 'you don't have to'. For example, 食べなくてもいい (tabenakute mo ii) means 'you don't have to eat'.
Common Usage
You'll hear this often in daily conversation, especially when offering or asking for permission. Pay attention to the context.
Informal vs. Formal
～てもいい is generally informal. For a more formal context, you might use ～てもよろしいですか (te mo yoroshii desu ka) when asking.
Don't confuse with 'want to'
This phrase is about permission or acceptability, not about desiring to do something. For 'want to', use ～たい (tai).
Practice with Te-form
Since this grammar point relies on the te-form of verbs, make sure you're comfortable converting verbs to their te-form. This is a fundamental skill.
More Nuance
Sometimes, depending on context, it can imply a mild suggestion or even an acceptance of a less ideal situation, like 'Even if it's [X], it's okay'.
Listen for the Particle
The particle も (mo) is key here. It indicates 'even' or 'also', so 'even if [verb], it's good' is the underlying idea.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of 'てもいい' as 'TEMO-kay to do it!' The 'te' form of verbs followed by 'mo ii' means 'even if... it is good,' which translates to 'it's okay to.'
Association visuelle
Imagine a friendly bouncer at a club giving you a 'thumbs up' and saying 'てもいい!' (It's okay to come in!). The bouncer's name could be 'Te-mo'.
Word Web
Défi
Try using '～てもいい' to ask for permission to do three things around your house. For example: 「テレビを見てもいいですか？」 (May I watch TV?)
Origine du mot
The structure comes from combining the 'te-form' of a verb with the particle 'も' (mo) meaning 'even/also' and the adjective 'いい' (ii) meaning 'good'.
Sens originel : Literally, it translates to something like 'even if [verb], it is good,' which conveys the meaning of 'it's okay to [verb]' or 'you may [verb].'
JaponicContexte culturel
In Japanese culture, direct requests for permission are common and polite. Using "～てもいいですか？" shows respect for the other person's space or authority, even in informal settings. It's a key phrase for navigating social situations smoothly.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Asking for permission
- ここに入ってもいいですか？ (Is it okay to come in here?)
- これを食べてもいいですか？ (May I eat this?)
- もう少し考えてもいいですか？ (May I think about it a little more?)
Granting permission
- ここに座ってもいいですよ。 (You may sit here.)
- それを使ってもいいです。 (You can use that.)
- 遅れてもいいですよ。 (It's okay to be late.)
Stating something is permissible
- 日曜日にも働いてもいい。 (It's okay to work on Sundays too.)
- この店ではカードを使ってもいい。 (You can use a card at this store.)
- 古いものでもいい。 (Even old ones are okay.)
Asking for confirmation if something is allowed
- タバコを吸ってもいいですか？ (Is it okay to smoke?)
- 写真を撮ってもいいですか？ (Is it okay to take pictures?)
- ここに荷物を置いてもいいですか？ (May I leave my luggage here?)
Discussing options/flexibility
- どちらを選んでもいいです。 (You can choose either.)
- 行かなくてもいい。 (You don't have to go.)
- 今週中に提出してもいい。 (It's okay to submit it by the end of this week.)
Amorces de conversation
"今、忙しくても、後で連絡してもいいですか？ (If you're busy now, is it okay if I contact you later?)"
"このレストランでは、自分の飲み物を持ち込んでもいいですか？ (Is it okay to bring my own drinks to this restaurant?)"
"会議で質問してもいいですか？ (May I ask a question during the meeting?)"
"疲れているので、今日は早く帰ってもいいですか？ (I'm tired, so is it okay if I go home early today?)"
"もしよければ、あなたのノートを見せてもらってもいいですか？ (If you don't mind, is it okay if you show me your notes?)"
Sujets d'écriture
今日、あなたが誰かに許可を求めたことについて書いてください。どんな状況でしたか？ (Write about a time today when you asked someone for permission. What was the situation?)
あなたが誰かに許可を与えた経験について書いてください。その許可はどのようなものでしたか？ (Write about an experience where you granted someone permission. What kind of permission was it?)
日常生活で「～てもいい」という表現が役立つと感じる状況を3つ挙げてください。 (List three situations in daily life where you find the expression "~てもいい" useful.)
もしあなたがどんなことでも許可されるとしたら、何をしたいですか？ (If you were allowed to do anything, what would you want to do?)
あなたが誰かに何かを許可するとき、何を基準にしますか？ (When you grant someone permission for something, what criteria do you use?)
Teste-toi 120 questions
ここに座っ___いいですか。 (Koko ni suwat___ ii desu ka?) May I sit here?
To ask for permission using ～てもいいですか (te mo ii desu ka), you attach the 'te' form of the verb to もいいですか. The te-form of 座る (suwaru - to sit) is 座って (suwatte).
窓を___もいいですか。 (Mado o akete___ ii desu ka?) Is it okay to open the window?
The pattern is Verb in te-form + もいいですか (mo ii desu ka) to ask for permission. Here, the te-form of 開ける (akeru - to open) is 開けて (akete).
写真を___もいいですか。 (Shashin o tottemo ii desu ka?) Is it okay to take pictures?
You need the te-form of the verb to use with ～てもいいですか (te mo ii desu ka). The te-form of 撮る (toru - to take, as in pictures) is 撮って (totte).
このペン、使っ___もいいですか。 (Kono pen, tsukattemo ii desu ka?) May I use this pen?
The te-form of the verb is required. The te-form of 使う (tsukau - to use) is 使って (tsukatte).
ここで食べ___いいですか。 (Koko de tabete___ ii desu ka?) Is it okay to eat here?
The structure for asking permission is Verb in te-form + もいいですか (mo ii desu ka). The te-form of 食べる (taberu - to eat) is 食べて (tabete).
もう帰っ___もいいですか。 (Mou kaettemo ii desu ka?) Is it okay to go home already?
To form a polite request for permission using ～てもいいですか (te mo ii desu ka), you need the te-form of the verb. The te-form of 帰る (kaeru - to go home, to return) is 帰って (kaette).
Choose the correct particle to complete the sentence: ここで写真を撮っても___ですか。 (Is it okay to take pictures here?)
～てもいい (temo ii) means 'it's okay to' or 'may'. The particle 'も' (mo) combines with the verb in the te-form and 'いい' (ii) to form this grammatical structure.
Which phrase correctly asks for permission? 窓を___もいいですか。(May I open the window?)
To ask for permission using ～てもいいですか (temo ii desu ka), you need to use the te-form of the verb before 'もいいですか'. The te-form of '開ける' (akeru - to open) is '開けて' (akete).
Which sentence means 'You may sit here.'?
「座ってもいいです」 (suwatte mo ii desu) directly translates to 'it's okay to sit' or 'you may sit'. The other options express desire, simple action, or negation.
「食べてもいいですか」 (Tabete mo ii desu ka) means 'May I eat?'
Yes, this is correct. 「食べてもいいですか」 (Tabete mo ii desu ka) is a common way to ask for permission to eat.
If someone says 「入ってもいいです」 (Haitte mo ii desu), it means 'You must enter.'
No, this is false. 「入ってもいいです」 (Haitte mo ii desu) means 'You may enter' or 'It's okay to enter,' giving permission, not a command.
You can use ～てもいい (temo ii) to say something is forbidden.
No, this is false. ～てもいい (temo ii) is used to grant permission or state that something is allowed. To say something is forbidden, you would use a different grammatical structure like ～てはいけません (te wa ikemasen).
Is it okay to sit here?
You can go home now.
May I use this?
Read this aloud:
水を飲んでもいいですか。
Focus: のんでもいいですか
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
この本を読んでもいいですか。
Focus: よんでもいいですか
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
テレビを見てもいいですか。
Focus: みてもいいですか
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You want to ask your Japanese friend if it's okay to open the window. How would you ask?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
窓を開けてもいいですか。
You are at a library and want to ask if it's okay to eat your snack there. How would you ask?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ここで食べてもいいですか。
You want to say 'You may go home now' to a friend. How would you say it?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
もう帰ってもいいです。
What is the person asking permission to do?
Read this passage:
すみません、この本を読んでもいいですか？ はい、読んでもいいです。
What is the person asking permission to do?
The phrase '読んでもいいですか' means 'May I read?' and '読んでもいいです' means 'You may read.'
The phrase '読んでもいいですか' means 'May I read?' and '読んでもいいです' means 'You may read.'
What does the student want to do?
Read this passage:
先生、質問してもいいですか？
What does the student want to do?
The phrase '質問してもいいですか' means 'May I ask a question?'
The phrase '質問してもいいですか' means 'May I ask a question?'
Is it okay to take a picture here?
Read this passage:
ここで写真を撮ってもいいですか？ いいえ、写真を撮ってはいけません。
Is it okay to take a picture here?
The response 'いいえ、写真を撮ってはいけません' means 'No, you may not take pictures.'
The response 'いいえ、写真を撮ってはいけません' means 'No, you may not take pictures.'
This sentence asks permission to eat something. 'これ' (this) is the object, '食べてもいいですか' (may I eat?) is the polite request.
This sentence states that it's okay to sit here. 'ここ' (here) is the location, '座ってもいいです' (it's okay to sit) is the statement.
This sentence asks for permission to take a picture. '写真' (picture) is the object, '撮ってもいいですか' (may I take?) is the polite request.
A person is asking for permission to sit.
Someone wants to open the window.
Someone is asking if they can leave now.
Read this aloud:
写真を撮ってもいいですか。
Focus: shashin o totte mo ii desu ka
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
これは食べてもいいですか。
Focus: kore wa tabete mo ii desu ka
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
テレビを見てもいいですか。
Focus: terebi o mite mo ii desu ka
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This phrase asks for permission.
This phrase gives permission to eat.
This asks 'May I sit here?'
Choose the correct particle to complete the sentence: ここで写真を撮っ___いいですか？ (Is it okay to take pictures here?)
The particle 'ても' is used with the 'te-form' of a verb to ask for or grant permission, meaning 'even if' or 'it's okay to'.
Which sentence correctly asks for permission to open the window?
To ask for permission, you use the 'te-form' of the verb followed by 'もいいですか？'. The 'te-form' of '開ける' (to open) is '開けて'.
You want to tell someone it's okay to go home. Which phrase would you use?
The structure '～てもいいです' means 'it's okay to do ~' or 'you may do ~'. '帰る' (to go home) in its 'te-form' is '帰って'.
The phrase 「座ってもいいですか？」 means 'May I sit down?'.
「座る」 (suwaru) means 'to sit'. Its 'te-form' is 「座って」 (suwatte). So, 「座ってもいいですか？」 accurately translates to 'May I sit down?'.
If someone says 「食べてもいいです」, they are telling you 'You must eat'.
「食べてもいいです」 (tabetemo ii desu) means 'It's okay to eat' or 'You may eat', indicating permission. It does not mean 'You must eat'.
「この本を読んでもいい」 means 'You are allowed to read this book'.
「読む」 (yomu) means 'to read'. Its 'te-form' is 「読んで」 (yonde). So, 「この本を読んでもいい」 (kono hon o yondemo ii) means 'You are allowed to read this book' or 'It's okay to read this book'.
Ask if it's okay to sit here.
Ask if it's okay to eat.
Ask if it's okay to borrow this book.
Read this aloud:
ここに座ってもいいですか？
Focus: suwat-te mo ii desu ka?
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
食べてもいいですか？
Focus: tabe-te mo ii desu ka?
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
この本を借りてもいいですか？
Focus: kono hon o kari-te mo ii desu ka?
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You want to ask your Japanese friend if it's okay to open the window because it's a bit stuffy. Write the question you would ask.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
窓を開けてもいいですか。
Imagine you are at a restaurant and want to ask if you can take pictures of your food. Write your question in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
写真を撮ってもいいですか。
You are visiting someone's house and want to ask if it's okay to sit down. How would you ask?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
座ってもいいですか。
What does person A want to do?
Read this passage:
A: すみません、ここでタバコを吸ってもいいですか。 B: いいえ、ここでは吸ってはいけません。
What does person A want to do?
A asks 'ここでタバコを吸ってもいいですか' which means 'Is it okay to smoke here?'.
A asks 'ここでタバコを吸ってもいいですか' which means 'Is it okay to smoke here?'.
What did the friend ask?
Read this passage:
友達に「この本を借りてもいい？」と聞かれたので、「もちろん、いいですよ」と答えました。
What did the friend ask?
The friend asked 'この本を借りてもいい？' which means 'Is it okay to borrow this book?'.
The friend asked 'この本を借りてもいい？' which means 'Is it okay to borrow this book?'.
Why did the speaker ask to go home?
Read this passage:
公園で友達と遊んでいました。雨が降ってきたので、「もう帰ってもいい？」と友達に聞きました。
Why did the speaker ask to go home?
The passage says '雨が降ってきたので' (because it started raining), the speaker asked 'もう帰ってもいい？' (Is it okay to go home already?).
The passage says '雨が降ってきたので' (because it started raining), the speaker asked 'もう帰ってもいい？' (Is it okay to go home already?).
This sentence asks for permission to take a picture here. '～てもいいですか' is used to ask if it's okay to do something.
This sentence gives permission to go home already. '～てもいいです' means 'it's okay to do something'.
This sentence asks for permission to sit here. '～てもいいですか' is used to ask if it's okay to do something.
Choose the most appropriate phrase to complete the sentence: ここで写真を撮っ___か。
「～てもいいです」is a common and polite way to ask for permission. While the other options also express permission, they can sound more formal or like you are making sure there is no inconvenience.
Which sentence correctly asks for permission to use something?
「～てもいいですか」is the correct grammatical structure for asking for permission. The other options express obligation, desire, or capability, not permission.
Select the best response to someone asking 「窓を開けてもいいですか？」 (May I open the window?).
To grant permission, you respond with「はい、～てもいいですよ。」. The other options either deny permission, give an instruction, or state a negative.
The phrase 「ここに入ってもいいですか。」 means 'May I come in here?'.
「～てもいいですか」is used to ask for permission, so 'May I come in here?' is the correct interpretation.
If someone says 「食べてもいいです。」, it means 'You must eat it.'.
「食べてもいいです。」 means 'You may eat it' or 'It's okay to eat it,' indicating permission, not obligation.
You can use 「～てもいい」 to give permission, not just ask for it.
「～てもいい」 can be used both to ask for permission (e.g., 「～てもいいですか？」) and to give permission (e.g., 「～てもいいです。」).
Is it okay to sit here?
You can go home now.
May I borrow this book?
Read this aloud:
携帯を使ってもいいですか。
Focus: けいたい
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
ここでお弁当を食べてもいいですか。
Focus: おべんとう
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
手伝ってもいいですか。
Focus: てつだっても
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence asks for permission to smoke in the room. '～てもいいですか' is used to ask 'May I...?'
This sentence gives permission to sit there because no one is there. '～てもいいですよ' is used to say 'You may... / It's okay to...'
This sentence asks for permission to go play despite not having finished homework. '～てもいいですか' is used to ask 'May I...?'
この書類は、上司の許可が___提出してもいい。
「あれば」は「～たら」と同じ条件を表す仮定形です。ここでは、上司の許可があることを条件に提出が許されるという意味になります。
多少の失敗は___、新しい挑戦を恐れてはいけない。
「～てもいい」は「～ても大丈夫」という許容を表します。ここでは、多少の失敗があっても問題ないという意味合いです。
会議中だが、急用なら___、中座してもいいですよ。
「言えば」は「～たら」と同じく、条件を表す仮定形です。急用があるという条件で、席を外すことが許されるという意味になります。
この件は機密事項なので、部外者には___教えないでください。
「決して～ない」は「絶対に～ない」という強い否定を表します。ここでは、機密事項を部外者に教えてはいけないという強い禁止を意味します。
レポートは来週の月曜日までに提出すれば___、それまでは焦らなくていい。
「～すれば大丈夫です」は「～てもいい」と同様に、許可や許容を表す表現です。ここでは、来週の月曜日までに提出すれば問題ないという意味になります。
少しぐらいの遠回りなら___、新しい道を開拓するのも悪くない。
「～てもいい」は「～ても大丈夫」という許容を表します。ここでは、少し遠回りになっても問題ないという意味合いです。
The speaker is asking for permission to think about a project more.
Someone is offering permission to cancel if inconvenient.
Someone is asking for permission to copy documents.
Read this aloud:
試験の結果が悪くても、再試験してもいい機会があるでしょう。
Focus: しけんのけっかがわるくても、さいしけんしてもいいきかいがあるでしょう。
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
プレゼンテーションの準備が間に合わなくても、締め切りを延長してもいいか聞いてみましょう。
Focus: プレゼンテーションのじゅんびがまにあわなくても、しめきりをえんちょうしてもいいかきいてみましょう。
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
体調が悪い時は、無理せず休んでもいいんですよ。
Focus: たいちょうがわるいときは、むりせずやすんでもいいんですよ。
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence asks for permission: 'May I use this?' The particle 'が' marks the subject, 'これ' is the object, and '使ってもいい' expresses permission.
This sentence asks if it's okay for children to watch a movie. '子どもが' is the subject, 'この映画を' is the object, and '見てもいい' means 'is it okay to watch'.
This sentence states that it's not necessary to do homework today. '今日は' sets the time, and '宿題をしなくてもいい' means 'it's okay not to do homework'.
この部屋でタバコを吸ってもいいですか。
「～てもいい」は許可を表します。この文脈では「吸ってもいい」が適切です。
ここに座ってもいいですか。
「～てもいい」は許可を求める表現です。相手に座ることを許可する返答として、「どうぞ座ってください」が自然です。
この資料をコピーしてもいいですか。
「～てもいい」に対する許可の返答として、「問題ありません」は適切な表現です。
「ここに荷物を置いてもいいですか」は、荷物を置く許可を求めている。
「～てもいい」は許可を求める際に使用される表現です。
「もう帰ってもいいですか」と聞かれた場合、「いいえ、帰らないでください」と答えることはできない。
「～てもいいですか」に対する返答として、許可しない場合は「いいえ、～てはいけません」と答えることができます。
「このペンを使ってもいい」は、このペンを使うことを禁止している。
「～てもいい」は許可を表し、禁止ではありません。
You are a seasoned diplomat at an international conference. A heated debate has just concluded, and tensions are high. Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) explaining to a colleague that despite the disagreements, it is permissible to move forward with a consensus on the less contentious issues. Use the grammar point "～てもいい".
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
今回の議論では意見の相違が大きかったものの、少なくとも一部の合意事項については先に進めてもいいのではないでしょうか。全ての点で完璧な解決は難しいですが、できることから始めていきましょう。
You are a lead researcher presenting your findings on a complex scientific project. During the Q&A, a junior researcher expresses concern about a minor anomaly in the data. Write a short response (3-4 sentences) reassuring them that while it's worth noting, it's permissible to proceed with the current conclusions given the broader evidence. Use the grammar point "～てもいい".
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
確かにそのデータの異常は興味深い点ですが、全体的な証拠から見ても、現時点での結論を進めてもいいでしょう。将来的にはさらに詳しく調査する価値はありますが、今のところは大きな影響はないと見ています。
You are a respected art critic discussing a contemporary art exhibition. One piece challenges traditional norms and might be controversial. Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) arguing that even if some viewers find it unconventional, it is permissible for the artist to express themselves in this manner, and it contributes to artistic discourse. Use the grammar point "～てもいい".
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この作品は従来の美的感覚に挑戦的かもしれませんが、芸術家が自身の内なるビジョンを自由に表現してもいいのです。一部の観客には受け入れられないかもしれませんが、それが芸術の多様性を広げることに繋がります。批判的な意見があることも含め、それが創造的な自由というものでしょう。
この会議の最終的な結論は何でしたか？
Read this passage:
ある企業の経営戦略会議で、新製品開発の方向性について激しい議論が交わされた。若手社員は革新的なアイデアを主張したが、ベテラン社員は市場の安定性を重視し、既存路線の改良を提案した。最終的に、意見の相違は大きかったものの、両者の提案を融合させ、新たな試みをしてもいいという結論に至った。
この会議の最終的な結論は何でしたか？
パッセージの最後の文に「両者の提案を融合させ、新たな試みをしてもいいという結論に至った」とあります。
パッセージの最後の文に「両者の提案を融合させ、新たな試みをしてもいいという結論に至った」とあります。
古代文明の滅亡について、筆者はどのような見解を示していますか？
Read this passage:
歴史家たちは、古代文明の滅亡について様々な説を提唱してきた。気候変動、疫病、内乱など、多角的な視点からその原因を探っている。しかし、単一の原因に限定することは困難であり、複数の要因が絡み合って滅亡に至ったと考えてもいいだろう。確証がない限り、一つの説に固執する必要はない。
古代文明の滅亡について、筆者はどのような見解を示していますか？
パッセージの「複数の要因が絡み合って滅亡に至ったと考えてもいいだろう」という部分が筆者の見解を示しています。
パッセージの「複数の要因が絡み合って滅亡に至ったと考えてもいいだろう」という部分が筆者の見解を示しています。
情報にアクセスする際に、筆者が提唱している「賢明な情報消費者の態度」とはどのようなものですか？
Read this passage:
現代社会において、個人が情報にアクセスする方法は多様化している。従来の新聞やテレビに加え、インターネットやSNSを通じて瞬時に情報が得られるようになった。しかし、その情報の信頼性については常に注意が必要である。たとえ公的な機関から発信された情報であっても、鵜呑みにせず、多角的に検証してもいい。それが賢明な情報消費者の態度と言えるだろう。
情報にアクセスする際に、筆者が提唱している「賢明な情報消費者の態度」とはどのようなものですか？
パッセージの「たとえ公的な機関から発信された情報であっても、鵜呑みにせず、多角的に検証してもいい。それが賢明な情報消費者の態度と言えるだろう」という部分が該当します。
パッセージの「たとえ公的な機関から発信された情報であっても、鵜呑みにせず、多角的に検証してもいい。それが賢明な情報消費者の態度と言えるだろう」という部分が該当します。
The correct order forms a question asking if it's okay not to return the book to the library.
This sentence expresses that it's fine whether it rains or not today.
This sentence advises someone that they don't have to force themselves to go if they're tired.
/ 120 correct
Perfect score!
Basic Structure
The basic structure is Verb (て-form) + もいい. This means 'it's okay to do [verb]'. For example, 食べてもいい (tabete mo ii) means 'it's okay to eat'.
Permission
Use ～てもいい to ask for or grant permission. '入ってもいいですか？' (Haitte mo ii desu ka?) means 'May I enter?'
Negative Permission
To say 'it's not okay to do [verb]', you use ～てはいけません (te wa ikemasen) or ～てはだめです (te wa dame desu). Don't use ～てもよくない.
No Obligation
When used with a negative verb, it can mean 'you don't have to'. For example, 食べなくてもいい (tabenakute mo ii) means 'you don't have to eat'.
Contenu associé
Plus de mots sur health
しばらく
B1For a while, for some time.
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
