A1 Expression Neutral 1 min read

行ってもいいですか

itte mo ii desu ka

May I go?

Practice it

Phrase in 30 Seconds

Use this phrase to politely ask for permission to leave or go to a specific location.

  • Means: 'Is it okay if I go?' or 'May I go?'
  • Used in: Asking a boss to leave, asking a friend to go out, or checking permission.
  • Don't confuse: '{行|い}っていい' (casual) with '{行|い}ってもいいですか' (polite).
Polite bow + 'Can I go?' = Respectful request

Explanation at your level:

This phrase is used to ask if you can go somewhere. You use it when you want to leave or visit a place politely.
This is a common polite expression. It uses the 'te-form' of the verb 'iku' (to go) followed by 'mo ii desu ka' to ask for permission. It is essential for daily communication in Japan.
The expression '{行|い}ってもいいですか' functions as a social lubricant. By framing an action as a question of acceptability, the speaker demonstrates awareness of the listener's needs, which is a cornerstone of Japanese social etiquette.
This phrase exemplifies the Japanese tendency toward indirectness. Rather than stating an intention, the speaker invites the listener to grant permission, thereby preserving the 'wa' or social harmony. It is a standard construction for A1 learners but carries deeper implications of social hierarchy and situational awareness.
From a sociolinguistic perspective, this phrase illustrates the 'te-mo ii' construction, which serves as a modal expression of permission. It is a pragmatic strategy to mitigate the imposition of one's departure or movement on the interlocutor, reflecting the high-context nature of Japanese communication.
The phrase '{行|い}ってもいいですか' is a quintessential example of Japanese modal auxiliary usage. It functions within the framework of 'aisatsu' and 'keigo' to negotiate interpersonal space. By utilizing the 'te-form' connective, the speaker subordinates their volition to the listener's judgment, a hallmark of the Japanese politeness system that prioritizes the collective over the individual.

Meaning

Asks for permission to go somewhere.

🌍

Cultural Background

Asking permission is a sign of respect.

💡

Politeness

Always use 'desu ka' with strangers.

💡

Politeness

Always use 'desu ka' with strangers.

Test Yourself

Fill in the correct te-form.

____ もいいですか。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 行って

The te-form is required for the 'mo ii' structure.

🎉 Score: /1

Practice Bank

2 exercises
Choose the correct answer Fill Blank

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:
Fill in the correct te-form. Fill Blank A1

____ もいいですか。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 行って

The te-form is required for the 'mo ii' structure.

🎉 Score: /2

Frequently Asked Questions

1 questions

Yes, it is polite enough.

Related Phrases

🔗

{帰|かえ}ってもいいですか

similar

May I go home?

Where to Use It

💼

Leaving work

You: お{先|さき}に{失礼|しつれい}します。もう{行|い}ってもいいですか。

formal
🍕

Asking a friend

You: あそこに{行|い}ってもいいですか。

neutral

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'I-ku' (go) + 'te-mo' (even if) + 'ii' (good). 'Even if I go, is it good?'

Visual Association

Imagine standing at a door, hand on the knob, looking back at your teacher with a polite smile.

Story

You are at a party. You want to leave. You walk to the host. You say the phrase. They smile and say 'Yes'.

In Other Languages

Similar to 'May I?' in English or 'Puis-je?' in French.

Word Web

{行|い}く{帰|かえ}る{食|た}べる{見|み}る{入|はい}る{出|で}る

Challenge

Use this phrase 3 times today in different contexts.

Review in 1, 3, 7, 14, and 30 days.

Pronunciation

Stress Flat pitch.

The 't' is a small pause.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
{行|い}ってもよろしいでしょうか。

{行|い}ってもよろしいでしょうか。 (General)

Neutral
{行|い}ってもいいですか。

{行|い}ってもいいですか。 (General)

Informal
{行|い}っていい？

{行|い}っていい？ (General)

Slang
いっていい？

いっていい？ (General)

Derived from the classical Japanese 'te' connective.

Edo:

Fun Fact

It is one of the first phrases taught to foreigners.

Cultural Notes

Asking permission is a sign of respect.

“Always ask before leaving a group.”

Conversation Starters

“

Ask your teacher if you can go to the library.

Common Mistakes

✗

{行|い}くてもいいですか

✓

{行|い}ってもいいですか

wrong conjugation
You must use the 'te-form' (itte), not the 'ku-form'.

L1 Interference

0 1

In Other Languages

Spanish Very Similar

¿Puedo ir?

Japanese is more indirect.

French moderate

Puis-je y aller ?

Japanese uses a conditional structure.

German Very Similar

Darf ich gehen?

Japanese uses a verb-based structure.

Japanese n/a

{行|い}ってもいいですか

N/A

Arabic moderate

هل يمكنني الذهاب؟

Japanese focuses on acceptability.

Chinese Very Similar

我可以走吗？

Japanese is more polite.

Korean very_high

가도 돼요?

Minimal difference.

Portuguese Very Similar

Posso ir?

Japanese is more formal.

Spotted in the Real World

🎬

(1988)

“行ってもいいですか”

Asking to go somewhere.

Easily Confused

行ってもいいですか vs {行|い}っていい

Too casual.

Add 'desu ka' for safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (1)

Yes, it is polite enough.

usage contexts

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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