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B1 noun #1,500 सबसे आम 15 मिनट पढ़ने का समय

～てもいい

शीर्ष 1,500

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to ~temoii as a basic, fixed phrase for asking and giving simple permissions in the classroom or daily life. The focus is entirely on the most common verbs. Students learn to take a verb they already know, like 'taberu' (to eat) or 'miru' (to see), convert it to the te-form, and add 'mo ii desu ka' to ask a question. For example, 'Kore o tabetemoii desu ka' (May I eat this?) or 'Terebi o mitemoii desu ka' (May I watch TV?). The instruction at this stage avoids deep grammatical analysis of the particle 'mo' or the adjective 'ii'. Instead, it is treated as a chunk of vocabulary meaning 'May I...?'. Teachers will respond with 'Hai, ii desu yo' (Yes, it is fine) or 'Hai, tabetemoii desu' (Yes, you may eat). This builds the learner's confidence in navigating basic needs, such as asking to go to the bathroom ('Toire ni ittemoii desu ka') or asking to borrow a pen ('Pen o karitemoii desu ka'). The primary challenge at the A1 level is mastering the te-form conjugation for Group 1 verbs, which requires memorization and practice. Learners are encouraged to memorize the te-form song to speed up this process. The concept of register is kept simple: use 'desu ka' with teachers and strangers, and drop it with friends. The negative forms and adjective conjugations are usually reserved for later levels to prevent cognitive overload. By mastering this simple application, A1 learners gain a powerful tool for interactive communication, allowing them to step beyond mere statements and actively engage with their environment and the people around them in a polite, culturally appropriate manner.

At the A2 level, the understanding of ~temoii expands significantly beyond simple verb requests. Learners are now introduced to the concept that this structure can be applied to adjectives and nouns to express acceptable states or conditions. This is a major step in grammatical flexibility. Students learn to conjugate i-adjectives by dropping the final 'i' and adding '-kutemo ii' (e.g., 'yasukutemo ii' - it is okay even if it is cheap). They also learn to handle na-adjectives and nouns by adding 'demo ii' (e.g., 'kantan demo ii' - it is okay even if it is simple; 'gakusei demo ii' - it is okay even if you are a student). This allows learners to express preferences and compromises in daily life, such as when shopping or making plans. For example, 'Kono kaban wa chiisakutemo ii desu' (It is okay even if this bag is small). Furthermore, A2 learners are introduced to the negative form, ~nakutemoii, which means 'do not have to.' This is crucial for expressing a lack of obligation. For instance, 'Ashita gakkou ni ikanakutemo ii desu' (You do not have to go to school tomorrow). The contrast between ~temoii (permission to do) and ~nakutemoii (permission not to do) is heavily practiced. At this stage, learners also begin to understand the nuance of concession—the 'even if' aspect of the literal translation. They start forming slightly more complex sentences where ~temoii connects two clauses, such as 'Ame ga futtemo, ikimasu' (Even if it rains, I will go). This broadens their expressive capability, allowing them to navigate more complex social situations and articulate conditions and compromises effectively.

At the B1 level, the focus shifts from mechanical conjugation to pragmatic usage and social nuance. Learners already know how to form ~temoii perfectly; now they must learn exactly when and with whom it is appropriate to use it. A major point of instruction at this level is the social hierarchy embedded in Japanese communication. B1 learners are explicitly taught that using ~temoii to grant permission to a superior (a boss, a teacher, an elder) is considered rude and condescending. They learn alternative, more respectful ways to respond to requests from superiors, such as 'Hai, douzo' or using humble/respectful verb forms. Additionally, B1 learners explore the subtle differences between asking for permission (~temoii desu ka) and offering assistance (~mashou ka). They learn that saying 'Nimotsu o mottemoii desu ka' (May I carry your bag?) sounds slightly unnatural compared to 'Nimotsu o mochi mashou ka' (Shall I carry your bag?). The concessive use of ~temoii ('even if') is also deepened. Learners practice using it with question words to form phrases like 'Nani o shitemo' (No matter what I do) or 'Doko ni ittemo' (No matter where I go). For example, 'Nani o tabetemo futorimasen' (No matter what I eat, I don't gain weight). This integration of interrogative pronouns with the ~temo structure is a hallmark of intermediate Japanese. Furthermore, B1 learners are exposed to more casual, conversational contractions, such as dropping the 'ii' entirely ('Kore tabetemo?') or using it in plain form embedded within larger sentences ('Tabetemoii to omoimasu' - I think it is okay to eat). This level bridges the gap between textbook grammar and natural, context-aware communication.

At the B2 level, learners are expected to navigate highly nuanced and formal environments, particularly the Japanese workplace. The standard ~temoii desu ka is often insufficient for business contexts, so B2 learners master the formal equivalent: ~temo yoroshii deshou ka. This elevates the politeness significantly. For example, 'Kono shorui o kakunin shitemo yoroshii deshou ka' (Would it be alright if I check this document?). They also learn to combine this with humble causative forms, resulting in highly professional phrases like 'Koko ni suwarasete itadaitemo yoroshii deshou ka' (Would you kindly allow me the privilege of sitting here?). Understanding and producing these complex keigo (honorific) structures is a primary goal at this level. Beyond formal business Japanese, B2 learners also dive deep into colloquial and dialectal variations encountered in native media. They learn to recognize and use contractions like ~tatte or ~datte, which are casual equivalents of ~temo and ~demo. For instance, 'Sonna koto iitatte, shouganai' (Even if you say that, it can't be helped). This allows them to comprehend fast-paced anime, dramas, and casual conversations among native speakers. The semantic boundaries of ~temoii are also explored in contrast with similar grammar points like ~toshitemo (even assuming that) or ~ni shitemo (even so). Learners practice articulating complex hypothetical concessions, such as 'Tatoe shippai shitatoshitemo, yatte miru kachi wa aru' (Even assuming I fail, it is worth trying). By the end of B2, learners possess a comprehensive, multi-layered understanding of ~temoii, capable of scaling their politeness from the most casual street slang to the most rigid corporate boardroom, all while maintaining grammatical precision and cultural tact.

At the C1 level, the usage of ~temoii and its related concessive structures becomes highly sophisticated, abstract, and literary. Learners at this stage are not just communicating basic needs; they are debating, persuading, and analyzing complex texts. The concessive 'even if' function of ~temo takes center stage in rhetorical arguments. C1 learners frequently use structures like '...da kara to itte, ...temoii wake dewa nai' (Just because..., it doesn't mean it's okay to...). For example, 'Jiyuu da kara to itte, hoka no hito ni meiwaku o kaketemoii wake dewa nai' (Just because you have freedom, it doesn't mean it's okay to cause trouble for others). This demonstrates a high level of logical structuring and nuance. Furthermore, learners encounter and produce highly idiomatic expressions that utilize the ~temo structure. Phrases like 'Nite hi naru mono' (Similar but different) or 'Osokutemo' (At the latest) become part of their active vocabulary. They also explore the historical and literary roots of the structure, recognizing how classical Japanese forms influence modern formal writing. In reading comprehension, C1 learners can easily parse long, convoluted sentences where the ~temo clause is separated from the main clause by extensive modifiers. They understand the subtle emotional undertones when a speaker uses a casual ~temoii in a formal setting to intentionally break down barriers or, conversely, when a formal ~temo yoroshii is used sarcastically to create distance. The mastery at this level is characterized by an intuitive feel for the rhythm and flow of the language, allowing the learner to use ~temoii not just as a grammatical tool, but as a rhetorical device to express empathy, resignation, defiance, or profound respect, depending entirely on the microscopic contextual cues of the conversation.

At the C2 level, the learner's command of ~temoii is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. The focus is no longer on learning new rules, but on the artistic, literary, and sociolinguistic manipulation of the language. C2 learners understand the absolute deepest nuances of how permission and concession are encoded in Japanese culture. They can effortlessly navigate the most complex, high-stakes social interactions—such as negotiating a delicate business deal or resolving a severe interpersonal conflict—using precisely calibrated levels of ~temo yoroshii, ~sasete itadakemasen deshou ka, and other related forms to maintain perfect harmony while achieving their goals. They are fully capable of reading and producing advanced academic papers, legal documents, and classical literature where concessive structures are used to define strict parameters and conditions. For instance, in legal Japanese, they can parse conditions like 'Ikanaru baai ni oitemo, kyoka naku fukusei shitemoii mono to wa minasanai' (Under no circumstances shall it be deemed acceptable to reproduce without permission). Furthermore, C2 learners can play with the language, using ~temoii ironically, humorously, or poetically. They understand regional dialects and how the pronunciation and usage of concessive forms shift across Japan (e.g., Kansai dialect variations). They can analyze the sociolinguistic implications of a politician's choice of words when granting a concession in a press conference. At this pinnacle of language acquisition, ~temoii is fully integrated into the learner's subconscious, allowing for spontaneous, flawless, and deeply culturally resonant expression in any conceivable situation, reflecting a profound mastery of the Japanese mind and spirit.

इसका अभ्यास करें उदाहरण नोट्स और सुझाव

～てもいい 30 सेकंड में

Expresses permission ('may I' or 'you may').
Formed using the te-form + mo + ii.
Can be used with verbs, adjectives, and nouns.
Rising intonation asks, flat intonation grants.

The Japanese grammar structure ~temoii is a fundamental pattern used to express permission, concession, or acceptability in everyday communication. Literally translating to 'even if [verb], it is good,' it forms the absolute backbone of asking for and granting permission in Japanese society. When we break down the components of this structure, we see the te-form of a verb, which serves to connect clauses, followed by the inclusive particle mo, meaning 'also' or 'even,' and finally the i-adjective ii, meaning 'good' or 'fine.'

Kore o tabe～てもいい desu ka.

This literal translation perfectly encapsulates the Japanese mindset regarding permission: 'Even if you do this action, the situation remains good.' Understanding this literal breakdown is crucial for learners because it demystifies the structure and connects it to other similar grammar points, such as ~tewa ikenai (must not do) or ~nakutemoii (do not have to do).

Literal Meaning: Even if [action] happens, it is good/acceptable.

The beauty of ~temoii lies in its incredible versatility across different parts of speech. It is not restricted merely to verbs; it can be seamlessly attached to i-adjectives, na-adjectives, and nouns, provided the correct te-form equivalent is used.

Yasu～くてもいい desu.

For instance, with an i-adjective like yasui (cheap), it becomes yasukutemo ii (it is okay even if it is cheap). With a na-adjective like shizuka (quiet), it becomes shizuka demo ii (it is okay even if it is quiet). This adaptability makes it an indispensable tool for expressing a wide range of acceptable conditions in daily conversations. Furthermore, the nuance of ~temoii can shift slightly depending on the context and the intonation used by the speaker. When spoken with a rising intonation at the end, such as ~temoii ka? or ~temoii desu ka?, it functions as a polite request for permission: 'May I do this?'

Mado o ake～てもいい desu ka.

When spoken with a flat or falling intonation, it grants permission or states a concession: 'You may do this' or 'It is fine if this happens.' This dual function makes it highly efficient in communication.

Intonation Matters: Rising intonation asks for permission, while flat intonation grants it.

However, learners must be extremely cautious about the social dynamics at play when using this phrase. While ~temoii is perfectly acceptable for granting permission to subordinates, children, or close peers, using it to grant permission to a superior (such as a boss, a teacher, or an elder) can sound incredibly condescending and rude, as it implies you hold the authority to permit their actions.

Ashita yasun～でもいい desu yo.

In such cases, different structures or more polite vocabulary must be employed to maintain harmony. The cultural context of permission in Japan also plays a massive role here. Japanese society places a very high value on harmony (wa) and avoiding imposition on others. Therefore, asking for permission using ~temoii desu ka is a common and expected way to ensure that one's actions do not disrupt the group or inconvenience those around them. It shows deep consideration and respect for the boundaries of others.

Cultural Harmony: Asking permission is a key way to maintain 'wa' (harmony) in Japanese society.

As you progress in your Japanese studies, you will encounter more formal variations of this structure, such as ~temo yoroshii desu ka, which elevates the politeness level significantly and is often used in customer service or highly formal business settings. Conversely, in casual speech among close friends, the 'ii' is often dropped entirely, leaving just the te-form and 'mo', or even contracted further to ~tatte in some dialects or highly colloquial speech.

Koko ni suwat～てもよろしい desu ka.

Mastering ~temoii is not just about memorizing a grammar rule; it is about unlocking a key aspect of Japanese social interaction and learning how to navigate the delicate balance of permission, acceptability, and interpersonal harmony. By practicing this structure across various contexts and with different parts of speech, learners will build a solid foundation for more advanced conditional and concessive grammar patterns in the future. The integration of this pattern into your active vocabulary will drastically improve your ability to navigate everyday scenarios, from asking to borrow a pen to confirming if a certain type of document is acceptable for a formal application. It is a bridge between basic sentence construction and nuanced, context-aware communication that every learner must cross to achieve fluency.

Using ~temoii correctly requires a solid grasp of Japanese conjugation rules, specifically the te-form, as this is the foundational building block of the structure. The te-form acts as a connective tissue in Japanese grammar, and mastering it is non-negotiable for using ~temoii. Let us break down how to attach ~temoii to different parts of speech, starting with verbs.

Hon o yon～でもいい desu.

For Group 1 (U-verbs), the conjugation depends on the final syllable of the dictionary form. Verbs ending in u, tsu, or ru change to -tte (e.g., kau becomes katte, so kattemoii). Verbs ending in mu, bu, or nu change to -nde (e.g., nomu becomes nonde, so nondemoii). Verbs ending in ku change to -ite (e.g., kaku becomes kaite, so kaitemoii), with the exception of iku (to go), which becomes itte. Verbs ending in gu change to -ide (e.g., oyogu becomes oyoide, so oyoidemoii). Finally, verbs ending in su change to -shite (e.g., hanasu becomes hanashite, so hanashitemoii).

Group 1 Verbs: Conjugation varies heavily based on the final kana of the dictionary form.

Group 2 (Ru-verbs) are much simpler: simply drop the final ru and add -te (e.g., taberu becomes tabete, so tabetemoii). Group 3 (Irregular verbs) consist of suru (to do), which becomes shite (shitemoii), and kuru (to come), which becomes kite (kitemoii). Moving on to i-adjectives, the rule is to drop the final 'i' and add -kute before attaching mo ii.

Chiisa～くてもいい desu.

For example, ookii (big) becomes ookikutemo ii (it is okay even if it is big), and takai (expensive) becomes takakutemo ii (it is okay even if it is expensive). The only exception is the adjective ii (good) itself, which changes to yokutemo ii (it is okay even if it is good).

I-Adjectives: Drop the final 'i' and add '-kute' before 'mo ii'.

For na-adjectives and nouns, the process is identical: simply add 'de' (which acts as the te-form of the copula 'da') followed by mo ii.

Kantan ～でもいい desu.

For a na-adjective like kirei (beautiful/clean), it becomes kirei demo ii (it is okay even if it is clean). For a noun like gakusei (student), it becomes gakusei demo ii (it is okay even if you are a student). This uniform treatment of na-adjectives and nouns simplifies the learning process significantly. When constructing negative sentences, the meaning shifts to 'you do not have to do [action]' or 'it is okay if it is not [state].' To form this, you use the negative nai-form of the word, drop the final 'i', and add -kutemo ii. For verbs, ikanai (not go) becomes ikanakutemo ii (you do not have to go).

Ika～なくてもいい desu.

For i-adjectives, atarashikunai (not new) becomes atarashikunakutemo ii (it is okay if it is not new). For na-adjectives and nouns, ja nai becomes ja nakutemo ii (e.g., byouki ja nakutemo ii - it is okay if you are not sick).

Negative Form: Changes the meaning from 'may do' to 'do not have to do'.

It is also vital to understand the register and politeness levels. In polite speech (desu/masu form), you append 'desu' to the end: ~temoii desu. To ask a question, add the question particle 'ka': ~temoii desu ka. In casual speech, you simply end the sentence at 'ii', often with a rising intonation for questions: ~temo ii?

Kore, morat～てもいい?

For highly formal situations, replace 'ii' with 'yoroshii': ~temo yoroshii desu ka. This structural flexibility allows speakers to finely tune their language to match the social context, making ~temoii a highly dynamic and essential grammatical tool for any serious student of the Japanese language.

The grammar structure ~temoii is absolutely ubiquitous in the Japanese language, permeating nearly every facet of daily life, media, and professional environments. Because it is the primary vehicle for expressing permission and concession, you will encounter it constantly from the moment you step foot in Japan or begin consuming Japanese content. In everyday conversational settings, it is the go-to phrase for navigating shared spaces and resources.

Terebi o mi～てもいい desu ka.

For example, if you are at a cafe and want to take an empty chair from an adjacent table, you would ask the person sitting there, 'Kono isu, tsukattemoii desu ka?' (May I use this chair?). If you are visiting a friend's house and need to use the restroom, you would ask, 'Toire o karitemoii?' (Can I borrow/use the bathroom?).

Daily Life: Used constantly for small requests like borrowing items or occupying space.

In educational settings, students frequently use this structure to interact with teachers, though often in its more polite form. A student might ask, 'Sensei, shitsumon shitemo yoroshii desu ka?' (Teacher, may I ask a question?). Teachers, in turn, use the standard ~temoii to grant permission to students: 'Hai, kaittemoii desu yo' (Yes, you may go home).

Mou kaet～てもいい desu yo.

This clear delineation of register highlights the hierarchical nature of Japanese society and how grammar adapts to reflect it. In the workplace, the usage becomes even more nuanced. When speaking to a manager or a client, the standard ~temoii is often deemed too direct or insufficiently polite. Instead, business professionals rely heavily on ~temo yoroshii deshou ka or even more complex humble forms like ~sasete itadaitemo yoroshii deshou ka (Would it be alright if I humbly allow myself to do...).

Business Context: Requires elevation to 'yoroshii' to maintain professional respect.

However, among close colleagues of the same rank, the standard ~temoii desu ka remains perfectly acceptable.

Kono shiryou o kopii shi～てもいい desu ka.

Beyond direct interpersonal communication, ~temoii is frequently heard in Japanese media, including anime, dramas, and news broadcasts. In anime, characters often use highly casual or contracted forms. A rebellious character might say, 'Ore wa nani o shitatte ii darou!' (It's fine no matter what I do! / I can do whatever I want!), where 'shitatte' is a colloquial contraction of 'shitemo'. In romantic dramas, a classic line might be, 'Soba ni itemoii?' (Can I stay by your side?), showcasing the emotional intimacy the casual form can convey.

Zutto issho ni i～てもいい?

Furthermore, you will encounter this structure in public signage and announcements, often in the negative concessive form. For instance, a sign at a store might say, 'Katte ni haitte wa ikemasen' (Do not enter without permission), but an attendant might clarify, 'Kutsu o haita mama demo ii desu yo' (It is okay even if you keep your shoes on).

Public Signage: Often used by staff to clarify rules or grant exceptions to customers.

The concessive use of ~temoii (even if...) is also highly prevalent in literature and journalism to express hypothetical situations or conditions that do not affect the outcome.

Ame ga fut～てもいい youni, kasa o motte iku.

For example, a news report might state, 'Tatoe jikan ga kakatemo ii kara, anzen o kakuho suru beki da' (Even if it takes time, safety must be ensured). By immersing yourself in these varied contexts, you will develop an intuitive sense of when and how to deploy ~temoii appropriately, recognizing its subtle shifts in tone and meaning across different social landscapes.

While ~temoii is introduced relatively early in most Japanese learning curricula, it remains a frequent source of errors for learners due to its reliance on proper conjugation and its sensitivity to social context. One of the most glaring and common mistakes is the incorrect formation of the te-form itself. Because the te-form rules for Group 1 verbs are complex and varied, learners often attach ~moii to the wrong stem.

❌ Nomi～てもいい desu ka. (Incorrect)

For example, instead of saying 'nondemoii' (may drink), a beginner might incorrectly say 'nomitemoii' or 'nomutemoii'. This instantly marks the speaker as a novice and can sometimes obscure the meaning entirely.

Conjugation Errors: Failing to use the correct te-form is the most frequent mechanical mistake.

Another mechanical error occurs with adjectives and nouns. Learners often forget that na-adjectives and nouns require 'de' instead of 'te'.

❌ Shizuka ～てもいい desu. (Incorrect)

Saying 'shizuka temo ii' instead of the correct 'shizuka demo ii' is a classic pitfall. Similarly, with i-adjectives, learners sometimes leave the final 'i' intact, resulting in awkward constructions like 'takaikutemo ii' instead of the correct 'takakutemo ii'. Beyond mechanical conjugation errors, the most significant mistakes involve pragmatics and social register. As mentioned previously, using ~temoii to grant permission to a superior is a severe faux pas.

❌ Sensei, kaet～てもいい desu yo. (Rude)

If a boss asks if they can borrow your pen, replying with 'Hai, tsukattemoii desu yo' (Yes, you may use it) sounds incredibly arrogant, as if you are a king granting a boon to a peasant. The correct response should be a simple 'Hai, douzo' (Yes, go ahead) or 'Hai, tsukatte kudasai' (Yes, please use it).

Register Errors: Granting permission to superiors using this form is a major cultural mistake.

Furthermore, learners often confuse ~temoii with its negative counterpart, ~nakutemoii (do not have to do), or with ~tewa ikenai (must not do).

❌ Tabena～くてもいい desu ka. (Do I not have to eat?)

When trying to ask 'May I not do this?', learners sometimes tangle the conjugations, resulting in sentences that mean the opposite of what they intend. It is crucial to remember that ~temoii asks for permission to DO something, while ~nakutemoii asks for permission NOT to do something. Another subtle mistake is overusing ~temoii desu ka when offering a service or a favor. If you want to help someone carry their bags, saying 'Nimotsu o mottemoii desu ka' (May I carry your bags?) is grammatically correct but sounds slightly unnatural, as it frames the action as a benefit to yourself rather than the listener.

Nimotsu o mochi mashou ka. (Better alternative for offering help)

In such cases, ~mashou ka (Shall I...?) is much more natural and polite.

Offering Help: Use ~mashou ka instead of ~temoii desu ka when offering assistance.

By being mindful of these common pitfalls—mastering the te-form conjugation, respecting social hierarchies, and understanding the nuances of offering versus requesting—learners can utilize ~temoii with confidence and cultural accuracy, avoiding the awkwardness that often accompanies these early-stage errors.

In Japanese, there are several grammar structures that share semantic territory with ~temoii, expressing concepts of permission, possibility, or concession. Understanding the subtle distinctions between these similar forms is essential for achieving fluency and expressing oneself with precision. One of the most closely related structures is ~koto ga dekiru, which translates to 'can do' or 'is able to do.'

Koko de shashin o toru koto ga dekiru.

While ~temoii focuses on permission (you are allowed to do it), ~koto ga dekiru focuses on capability or circumstantial possibility (it is possible to do it). For example, 'Koko de oyoigemoii desu' means 'You are permitted to swim here,' whereas 'Koko de oyogu koto ga dekimasu' means 'It is possible to swim here' (perhaps because the water is deep enough).

~koto ga dekiru: Focuses on physical or circumstantial ability rather than social permission.

Another highly relevant comparison is with ~tewa ikenai or ~te dame desu, which are the direct antonyms of ~temoii.

Koko de shashin o tot～てはいけない.

While ~temoii means 'you may,' ~tewa ikenai means 'you must not' or 'it is forbidden.' Understanding these as a pair helps learners grasp the full spectrum of regulatory language in Japanese. We must also consider ~kamoshirenai, which translates to 'might' or 'may' in the sense of probability.

Ashita ame ga furu ～かもしれない.

In English, the word 'may' is used for both permission ('May I go?') and probability ('It may rain'). In Japanese, these concepts are strictly separated. You cannot use ~temoii to say 'It may rain'; you must use ~kamoshirenai. Confusing these two is a common error for native English speakers due to the overlap in English translation.

~kamoshirenai: Expresses probability (might happen), not permission.

When looking at formal equivalents, ~temo yoroshii is the direct polite upgrade to ~temoii.

O-namae o ukagat～てもよろしい deshou ka.

'Yoroshii' is simply a more formal and respectful version of 'ii' (good). Using ~temo yoroshii desu ka demonstrates a higher level of respect and is standard in business Japanese (keigo). Finally, the structure ~nakutemoii is the negative counterpart, meaning 'do not have to.'

Muri shi～なくてもいい desu yo.

It is formed by taking the negative nai-form, dropping the 'i', and adding -kutemoii. While ~temoii grants permission to act, ~nakutemoii grants permission to NOT act, removing obligation.

~nakutemoii: Removes obligation; translates to 'do not have to'.

By comparing and contrasting these structures, learners can build a highly nuanced mental map of Japanese grammar, ensuring they choose the exact right phrase to convey permission, possibility, prohibition, or lack of obligation in any given situation.

How Formal Is It?

औपचारिक

कठिनाई स्तर

ज़रूरी व्याकरण

स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण

Kore o tabetemoii desu ka.

May I eat this?

Verb te-form (tabete) + mo ii desu ka.

Mado o aketemoii desu ka.

May I open the window?

Verb te-form (akete) + mo ii desu ka.

Toire ni ittemoii desu ka.

May I go to the bathroom?

Verb te-form (itte) + mo ii desu ka.

Hai, mitemoii desu yo.

Yes, you may look.

Verb te-form (mite) + mo ii desu yo (granting permission).

Shashin o tottemoii desu ka.

May I take a picture?

Verb te-form (totte) + mo ii desu ka.

Koko ni suwattemoii desu ka.

May I sit here?

Verb te-form (suwatte) + mo ii desu ka.

Pen o karitemoii desu ka.

May I borrow a pen?

Verb te-form (karite) + mo ii desu ka.

Kaettemoii desu ka.

May I go home?

Verb te-form (kaette) + mo ii desu ka.

Kono kaban wa yasukutemo ii desu.

It is okay even if this bag is cheap.

I-adjective (yasu-i) -> yasukutemo ii.

Ashita wa hima demo ii desu ka.

Is it okay even if I am free tomorrow?

Na-adjective (hima) -> hima demo ii.

Gakusei demo ii desu.

It is okay even if you are a student.

Noun (gakusei) -> gakusei demo ii.

Kyou wa ikanakutemo ii desu.

You do not have to go today.

Negative verb (ika-nai) -> ikanakutemo ii.

Ame ga futtemo, ikimasu.

Even if it rains, I will go.

Concessive use: te-form + mo (even if).

Kutsu o haita mama demo ii desu.

It is okay even if you keep your shoes on.

Noun phrase (mama) -> mama demo ii.

Oishikunakutemo ii desu.

It is okay even if it is not delicious.

Negative i-adjective (oishiku-nai) -> oishikunakutemo ii.

Koko de asondemoii desu yo.

You may play here.

Verb te-form (asonde) + mo ii desu yo.

Sensei, shitsumon shitemo yoroshii desu ka.

Professor, may I ask a question?

Upgrading 'ii' to 'yoroshii' for a superior.

Nani o tabetemo futorimasen.

No matter what I eat, I don't gain weight.

Question word (nani) + te-form + mo (no matter what).

Doko ni ittemo hito ga ooi desu.

No matter where I go, there are many people.

Question word (doko) + te-form + mo (no matter where).

Kono heya wa atsukutemo ii kara, kashite kudasai.

It's okay even if this room is hot, so please rent it to me.

Concession used as a reason (kara).

Muri shite konakutemo ii desu yo.

You don't have to force yourself to come.

Negative permission (konakutemo ii) used empathetically.

Kore, morattemoii?

Can I have this?

Casual speech: dropping 'desu ka'.

Ikura takakutemo kaimasu.

No matter how expensive it is, I will buy it.

Ikura (how much) + i-adjective te-form + mo.

Koko ni nimotsu o oitemo kamaimasen ka.

Do you mind if I put my luggage here?

Substituting 'ii' with 'kamaimasen' (do not mind).

Kono shorui o kopii shitemo yoroshii deshou ka.

Would it be alright if I copy this document?

Highly polite: yoroshii deshou ka.

Sonna koto iitatte, shouganai darou.

Even if you say that, it can't be helped, right?

Colloquial contraction: iitatte = ittemo.

Tatoe shippai shitatoshitemo, koukai wa shinai.

Even assuming I fail, I won't regret it.

Advanced concession: tatoe + verb past + toshitemo.

Kyou wa zangyou shinakutemo sumisou da.

It looks like I'll get by without doing overtime today.

Negative te-form + mo + sumu (to get by without).

Koko ni suwarasete itadaitemo yoroshii deshou ka.

Would you kindly allow me the privilege of sitting here?

Causative-passive humble form + temo yoroshii.

Donna ni kurushikutemo, akiramemansen.

No matter how painful it is, I will not give up.

Donna ni (no matter how) + i-adjective te-form + mo.

Zutsuu ga suru node, saki ni kaerasete morattemoii desu ka.

I have a headache, so could I get you to allow me to leave early?

Causative + morattemoii (asking for a favor/permission).

Kore wa iwanakutemo wakaru koto desu.

This is something you understand even without it being said.

Negative concession used as an adjective phrase.

Jiyuu da kara to itte, hoka no hito ni meiwaku o kaketemoii wake dewa nai.

Just because you have freedom, it doesn't mean it's okay to cause trouble for others.

...kara to itte (just because) + temoii wake dewa nai (doesn't mean it's okay).

Ikanaru riyuu ga arou to mo, yurusareru beki dewa nai.

No matter what reason there may be, it should not be forgiven.

Classical/formal concession: arou to mo (even if there is).

Kare ga dorehodo yushu de arou to mo, chiimuwaaku ga dekinaikereba imi ga nai.

No matter how excellent he may be, it is meaningless if he cannot do teamwork.

Formal concession with copula: de arou to mo.

Osokutemo raishuu no getsuyoubi made ni wa teishutsu shite kudasai.

Please submit it by next Monday at the latest.

Idiomatic use: osokutemo (at the latest / even if it is late).

Tatoe sekai ga teki ni mawatou to mo, watashi wa anata no mikata desu.

Even if the whole world turns against you, I am on your side.

Volitional form + to mo (literary 'even if').

Kare no hanashi wa, kiitemo kikanakutemo onaji da.

Whether you listen to his story or not, it's the same.

Parallel concession: verb-temo + verb-nakutemo.

Sukoshi gurai takakutemo, shitsu no ii mono o kaitai.

Even if it's a little expensive, I want to buy something of good quality.

Sukoshi gurai (at least a little) + te-form + mo.

Sore wa shittemo shiranu furi o suru no ga otona no taido da.

Pretending not to know even if you do is the attitude of an adult.

Classical negative 'nu' combined with te-form concession.

Ikanaru joutai ni oitemo, hon keiyaku o hoki shitemoii mono to wa minasanai.

Under no circumstances shall it be deemed acceptable to abandon this contract.

Highly formal legal Japanese: temoii mono to wa minasanai.

Kare no gyoukaku wa, tatoe ishi ni kajiritsuite demo nashi togeru kakugo da.

He is resolved to accomplish his reform, even if he has to bite onto a stone (do whatever it takes).

Idiomatic concession: ishi ni kajiritsuite demo.

Aete iwasete itadakemo yoroshii naraba, sono keikaku wa muzou da to zonjimasu.

If I may be so bold as to be allowed to speak, I believe that plan is reckless.

Ultra-polite conditional concession: iwasete itadakemo yoroshii naraba.

Nani o iwareyou ga, watashi no ishi wa yuruganai.

No matter what is said to me, my will shall not waver.

Literary equivalent of temo: volitional + ga.

Kare ga sanka shiyou ga shimai ga, kekka ni eikyou wa nai.

Whether he participates or not, there is no effect on the result.

Classical parallel concession: volitional + ga + negative volitional + ga.

Sore ga dorehodo konnan na michi de arou to mo, susumanazaru o enai.

No matter how difficult a path it may be, we have no choice but to proceed.

Formal concession combined with double negative obligation.

Gojishin de gohandan itadaitemo sashitsukae gozaimasen.

There is no objection even if you kindly make the judgment yourself.

Keigo concession: itadaitemo + sashitsukae gozaimasen (no hindrance).

Kaku mo nagaki toki o hetatte, hito no kokoro wa sou kantan ni wa kawaranu mono da.

Even after such a long time has passed, the human heart does not change so easily.

Literary/colloquial blend: hetatte (passed) + classical negative (kawaranu).

सामान्य शब्द संयोजन

shashin o tottemoii

koko ni suwattemoii

kaettemoii desu ka

mitemoii desu ka

tsukattemoii desu ka

karitemoii desu ka

haittemoii desu ka

yasundemoii desu yo

ikanakutemoii desu

shinakutemoii desu

सामान्य वाक्यांश

Kore, mitemoii? (Can I look at this?)

Saki ni kaettemoii desu ka. (May I leave early?)

Muri shinakutemoii yo. (You don't have to push yourself.)

Doko ni ittemo... (No matter where I go...)

Nani o shitemo... (No matter what I do...)

Ikura takakutemo... (No matter how expensive...)

Ame ga futtemo... (Even if it rains...)

Soba ni itemoii? (Can I stay by your side?)

Kore, morattemoii? (Can I have this?)

Shitsumon shitemo yoroshii deshou ka. (May I ask a question?)

अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है

～てもいい vs ~tewa ikenai (must not)

～てもいい vs ~nakutemoii (don't have to)

～てもいい vs ~kamoshirenai (might)

मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ

आसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले

～てもいい vs

वाक्य संरचनाएँ

इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें

nuance

While it means 'may', it literally carries the nuance of 'even if you do, it is fine'. This makes it softer than a direct command.

formality

Highly scalable. From 'tabetemo?' (super casual) to 'meshiagatte itadaitemo yoroshii deshou ka' (ultra formal).

सामान्य गलतियाँ

Using incorrect te-form conjugations (e.g., nomitemoii instead of nondemoii).
Using 'temo ii' with nouns/na-adjectives instead of 'demo ii' (e.g., shizuka temo ii).
Using ~temoii to grant permission to a boss or teacher.
Confusing ~temoii (permission) with ~kamoshirenai (probability).
Failing to drop the 'i' on i-adjectives before adding kutemo ii (e.g., takaikutemo ii).

सुझाव

Master the Te-form

The entire structure relies on the te-form. If your te-form is weak, your ~temoii will be wrong. Spend extra time drilling Group 1 verb conjugations until they are automatic.

Intonation is Key

Remember that the exact same sentence can be a statement or a question based purely on intonation. Practice rising pitch for asking, and flat/falling pitch for granting permission.

Avoid Condescension

Never grant permission to a superior using this form. It is a classic foreigner mistake that can make you sound arrogant. Always use 'douzo' or deferential language.

Learn the Opposites Together

When you learn ~temoii (may), immediately learn ~tewa ikenai (must not) and ~nakutemoii (don't have to). Learning them as a set builds a complete mental map of rules.

Nouns and Na-Adjectives

Don't forget that nouns and na-adjectives require 'demo ii', not 'temo ii'. 'Kirei temo ii' is wrong; it must be 'Kirei demo ii'.

Listen for the Drop

In anime and casual speech, native speakers constantly drop the 'ii'. Train your ears to recognize a sentence ending abruptly in 'temo?' as a request for permission.

Soft Refusals

If someone asks '~temoii desu ka', don't just shout 'Dame!'. Japanese culture prefers soft refusals. Say 'Sumimasen, sore wa chotto...' and let them understand it's a no.

Concessive Clauses

Practice using ~temo to connect two ideas. 'Ame ga futtemo, ikimasu' (Even if it rains, I will go). This elevates your Japanese from simple sentences to complex thoughts.

Upgrade for Business

If you plan to work in Japan, drill '~temo yoroshii deshou ka' until it rolls off the tongue. It is the absolute standard for asking permission in an office.

The 'Ikura' Combo

Combine 'ikura' with ~temoii to sound incredibly natural. 'Ikura yasukutemo kaimasen' (No matter how cheap it is, I won't buy it). It's a very common native pattern.

याद करें

स्मृति सहायक

Think of TE-MO-II as 'TEll MOmmie II's okay'. You are asking Mom for permission: 'Tell Mom it is okay if I do this!'

शब्द की उत्पत्ति

सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ

When asking ~temoii desu ka, a slight bow or nod of the head is common, especially when gesturing toward the object in question.

The choice between 'ii', 'yoroshii', and 'kamaimasen' strictly depends on the speaker's rank relative to the listener.

Crucial: Do not use ~temoii to grant permission to superiors. It implies you have the authority to allow them. Use 'douzo' instead.

असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें

वास्तविक संदर्भ

बातचीत की शुरुआत

"Sumimasen, koko ni suwattemoii desu ka. (Excuse me, may I sit here?)"

"Kono shashin, SNS ni nosetemoii? (Can I post this picture on social media?)"

"Chotto atsui node, mado o aketemoii desu ka. (It's a bit hot, so may I open the window?)"

"Kono pen, karitemoii desu ka. (May I borrow this pen?)"

"Ashita, sukoshi okurete kitemoii desu ka. (May I come a little late tomorrow?)"

डायरी विषय

Write about 3 things you are allowed to do at your job/school using ~temoii.

Write about 3 things you don't have to do on weekends using ~nakutemoii.

Describe a time you had to ask for permission in a formal setting. What did you say?

Write a dialogue between a strict parent and a child asking to go to a party.

List 5 things that are okay 'even if' they are not perfect (e.g., Yasukutemo ii).

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल

10 सवाल

No, you cannot. In English, 'may' is used for both permission and probability. In Japanese, ~temoii is ONLY for permission or concession. To say 'It might rain', you must use ~kamoshirenai (Ame ga furu kamoshirenai).

You use the negative form of the verb, drop the final 'i', and add -kutemoii. For example, 'ikanai' (not go) becomes 'ikanakutemoii' (you don't have to go). This is the exact opposite of obligation.

Yes, it is considered very rude and condescending. It implies you have the authority to grant them permission. If a boss asks to do something, you should reply with 'Hai, douzo' (Yes, go ahead) or use respectful keigo.

Nouns and na-adjectives use 'de', which is the te-form of the copula 'da' (to be). So, 'gakusei da' becomes 'gakusei de', and adding 'mo ii' makes it 'gakusei demo ii'. It literally means 'even being a student is fine'.

Yes. In casual conversations with friends or family, you can simply say '~temo ii?' with a rising intonation. You can even drop the 'ii' and just say '~temo?' (e.g., 'Kore tabetemo?').

'Yoroshii' is simply a more formal, polite version of 'ii'. Both mean 'good' or 'fine'. You use '~temo yoroshii desu ka' when speaking to customers, clients, or superiors to show respect.

To deny permission, you usually do not use '~temoii'. Instead, you use '~tewa ikemasen' (you must not) or '~te dame desu'. For a softer refusal, you can say 'Chotto...' (That is a little...) and trail off.

Yes! Combining it with question words creates phrases like 'No matter what/where/who'. For example, 'Nani o tabetemo' (No matter what I eat) or 'Doko ni ittemo' (No matter where I go).

'Ikura' means 'how much'. When combined with ~temo, it means 'No matter how much...'. For example, 'Ikura tabetemo futoranai' means 'No matter how much I eat, I don't gain weight'.

They mean the same thing, but '~te mo kamaimasen' translates more closely to 'I do not mind if you...'. It sounds slightly more formal and considerate than 'ii desu' (it is good).