Asking Permission: May I? (-아/어/여도 되다)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -아/어/여도 되다 to ask for or grant permission by combining the 'even if' particle with the verb 'to be okay'.
- Add -아도 to verbs ending in ㅏ or ㅗ (e.g., 가다 -> 가도 되다).
- Add -어도 to verbs ending in other vowels (e.g., 먹다 -> 먹어도 되다).
- Add -여도 to verbs ending in 하다 (e.g., 공부하다 -> 공부해도 되다).
Overview
The Korean grammar pattern -아/어/여도 되다 (romanization: -a/eo/yeodo doeda) is fundamental for expressing and requesting permission, translating broadly to "May I...?", "Is it okay to...?", or "You may/can..." This construction directly addresses the social necessity of navigating boundaries and obtaining consent, a nuanced aspect of Korean culture that prioritizes collective harmony and respect. Unlike simpler expressions of possibility or ability, -아/어/여도 되다 specifically inquires about or grants allowance within a given context. Its literal interpretation—"even if [action] is done, it is okay"—underscores the underlying conditional logic: the action, despite being potentially unconventional or disruptive, is permissible.
In daily interactions, this pattern is indispensable. Whether you are asking to borrow an item, inquiring about a policy, or simply seeking an opinion on a permissible action, -아/어/여도 되다 provides a polite and unambiguous linguistic tool. Mastering it ensures your requests are understood as respectful inquiries rather than presumptuous demands, fostering smoother social exchanges in academic, professional, and casual settings alike.
This pattern is not merely a linguistic rule but a gateway to culturally appropriate communication, reflecting a consideration for others' space and comfort that is highly valued in Korea.
How This Grammar Works
아/어/여 connective ending, the -도 particle, and the verb 되다. Understanding the function of each component is key to grasping the pattern's full meaning. The 아/어/여 ending serves as a flexible connective, attaching to a verb or adjective stem to prepare it for subsequent grammatical elements.-아요/어요), making it familiar to A2 learners. This ending transforms the preceding action or state into a condition.-도 (romanization: -do). This versatile particle generally means "also," "too," or "even." In the context of -아/어/여도 되다, -도 carries the specific nuance of "even if" or "even when." It introduces a conditional clause, implying that the action, regardless of its execution, does not negatively impact the outcome of 되다. This 'even if' makes the permission explicit.되다 (romanization: doeda) concludes the pattern. 되다 is one of the most multifaceted verbs in Korean, meaning "to become," "to be made," "to be possible," "to work," or "to be alright/okay." When combined with the preceding "even if" clause, 되다 signifies that the action in question is permissible, acceptable, or will result in a satisfactory state. Thus, Verb Stem + -아/어/여도 되다 collectively means "it is okay/permissible even if one [performs the action of the verb]." You are essentially asking if the world will continue to be 'okay' if you perform a certain action.피곤해도 돼요? (Is it okay to be tired?) or 늦어도 돼요? (Is it okay to be late?). The fundamental principle remains: questioning or confirming the acceptability of a condition.되다 at the end (e.g., 돼요, 됩니다, 돼).Formation Pattern
-아/어/여도 되다 pattern involves correctly conjugating the verb or adjective stem with the 아/어/여 ending, then attaching -도 되다. The choice between 아, 어, or 여 depends on the last vowel of the verb/adjective stem, following standard Korean vowel harmony rules.
ㅏ or ㅗ:
-아도 되다.
아/어/여 Form | -도 되다 Form | English Translation (Polite) |
ㅏ | 가다 (to go) | 가 | 가 | 가도 돼요 | May I go? / You may go. |
ㅗ | 오다 (to come)| 오 | 와 (오 + 아)| 와도 돼요 | May I come? / You may come. |
ㅏ | 좋다 (to be good)| 좋 | 좋아 | 좋아도 돼요 | Is it okay even if it's good? |
ㅗ or ㅏ followed by a vowel, they often contract: 오 + 아 → 와, 보 + 아 → 봐. Similarly, 사 + 아 → 사.
-어도 되다.
아/어/여 Form | -도 되다 Form | English Translation (Polite) |
마시다 (to drink)| 마시| 마셔 (마시 + 어)| 마셔도 돼요 | May I drink? / You may drink. |
먹다 (to eat) | 먹 | 먹어 | 먹어도 돼요 | May I eat? / You may eat. |
배우다 (to learn)| 배우| 배워 (배우 + 어)| 배워도 돼요 | May I learn? / You may learn. |
읽다 (to read) | 읽 | 읽어 | 읽어도 돼요 | May I read? / You may read. |
하다 verbs:
하다 to -해도 되다.
-도 되다 Form | English Translation (Polite) |
공부하다 (to study)| 공부하 | 공부해도 돼요 | May I study? / You may study. |
전화하다 (to call)| 전화하 | 전화해도 돼요 | May I call? / You may call? |
아/어/여:
ㄷ irregulars: If a verb stem ends in ㄷ and the next syllable starts with a vowel, ㄷ changes to ㄹ. Examples:
듣다 (to listen) → 들어도 되다 (May I listen?)
걷다 (to walk) → 걸어도 되다 (May I walk?)
ㅂ irregulars: If a verb stem ends in ㅂ and the next syllable starts with a vowel, ㅂ changes to ㅜ (or ㅗ for 돕다). Examples:
춥다 (to be cold) → 추워도 되다 (Is it okay even if it's cold?)
돕다 (to help) → 도와도 되다 (May I help?)
르 irregulars: If a verb stem ends in 르, it changes to ㄹ라 or ㄹ러. Examples:
모르다 (to not know) → 몰라도 되다 (Is it okay even if I don't know?)
부르다 (to sing/call) → 불러도 되다 (May I sing/call?)
되다:
되다 can be conjugated to various politeness levels:
가다) | Example (하다) | Usage Context |
됩니다 | 가도 됩니다 | 해도 됩니다 | Official announcements, very formal situations. |
돼요 | 가도 돼요 | 해도 돼요 | Most common in daily conversations, polite. |
돼 | 가도 돼 | 해도 돼 | Close friends, family, subordinates. |
되실까요? | 가도 되실까요? | 해도 되실까요? | Very polite, often used in service industries. |
When To Use It
이거 사진 찍어도 돼요? (Is it okay to take a picture of this?) is crucial. Similarly, if you are unsure about using a certain facility, 여기 앉아도 돼요? (May I sit here?) is the appropriate inquiry.- Requesting to perform an action:
저, 창문 열어도 돼요?(Excuse me, may I open the window?) – a polite way to ask before altering a shared environment. - Inquiring about personal boundaries:
이거 만져봐도 돼요?(May I touch this?) – especially when interacting with someone's belongings or a delicate item. - Seeking confirmation of rules:
여기 주차해도 돼요?(Is it okay to park here?) – useful when navigating public or private spaces with unclear regulations. In a university lecture, you might ask your professor질문해도 될까요?(May I ask a question?), using a slightly softer, more deferential tone for a superior.
-아/어/여도 되다 can be used to grant permission or indicate that something is acceptable. This often comes as a direct answer to a request, or a general statement of allowance.- Directly granting permission: If someone asks to use your computer, you might say
네, 사용해도 돼요.(Yes, you may use it.) - Indicating no need for an action: When paired with negation, it means "you don't have to." For example,
오늘 숙제 안 해도 돼요.(You don't have to do homework today.) or저한테 전화하지 않아도 돼요.(You don't have to call me.) This is a common way to relieve someone of an obligation. - Stating general acceptability:
주말에 일해도 돼요.(It's okay to work on the weekend.) – implies that working on the weekend is a permissible option, not a requirement.
-아/어/여도 되다 in Korean society highlights a general tendency towards communal consideration. Koreans often prefer to explicitly ask for permission even in situations where, in other cultures, it might be assumed. This practice reinforces respect for others' autonomy and group harmony.이 사진 올려도 돼? (Can I upload this picture?) is a common and polite inquiry.Common Mistakes
-아/어/여도 되다. Being aware of these common errors will help you use the pattern more naturally and accurately.아/어/여 Conjugation:아/어/여 connective ending and attempt to attach -도 되다 directly to the verb stem, especially with non-ㅏ/ㅗ vowels. For instance, incorrectly saying 읽도 되다 instead of the correct 읽어도 되다. The 아/어/여 part is not optional; it's the grammatical link that ensures vowel harmony and proper sentence structure. Always remember to apply the correct 아/어/여 form to the verb stem before adding -도 되다.돼요 with 대요:돼요 (from 되다) and 대요 (an indirect quotation marker, contraction of 다고 해요). 돼요 is the polite form of 되다 (`되어 + 요), used to mean "it is okay/possible." 대요, however, means "(someone) says that..." or "(it) is said that..." For example, 여기 앉아도 돼요. (You may sit here.) is correct. 여기 앉아도 대요.` would incorrectly mean "(Someone) says it's okay to sit here."-(으)면 안 되다:-아/어/여도 되다 grants permission, -(으)면 안 되다 expresses prohibition ("must not" or "should not"). Confusing the two can lead to significant misunderstandings. For example, 여기 앉아도 돼요? asks "May I sit here?" but 여기 앉으면 안 돼요. means "You must not sit here." Always double-check which meaning you intend to convey; one grants freedom, the other imposes a restriction.-아/어/여도 되다 when permission is clearly implied or unnecessary can sound overly formal or even peculiar to native speakers. For instance, in your own home, asking 물 마셔도 돼요? (May I drink water?) to a family member might suggest you are being facetious or overly cautious. Reserve this pattern for situations where explicit permission or confirmation of allowance is genuinely required, such as in public spaces, someone else's property, or formal settings.-(으)ㄹ 수 있다 (Ability/Possibility):-(으)ㄹ 수 있다 refers to one's capability or the general possibility of an action. 한국말 할 수 있어요? (Can you speak Korean?) asks about your ability. 여기 앉을 수 있어요? (Can one sit here?) might ask if there's space available or if the chair is functional. In contrast, -아/어/여도 되다 is exclusively about permission or allowance. 여기 앉아도 돼요? explicitly asks, "Am I allowed to sit here?" The core difference lies between inherent capacity/physical possibility and granted authorization.-(으)면 되다 (Instruction/Sufficiency):-(으)면 되다 means "all you have to do is..." or "it will be fine if you..." It gives an instruction or states a condition for sufficiency. For example, 여기 오면 돼요. (You just need to come here; coming here is enough.) is an instruction. This differs from 여기 와도 돼요. (You may come here; you are allowed to come here.), which grants permission. The former provides guidance, while the latter grants an option.Real Conversations
Observing -아/어/여도 되다 in authentic dialogue reveals its practical application and the subtle ways it shapes interactions.
Scenario 1
Min-joon (Student): 실례합니다, 여기 잠시 앉아도 돼요? (Excuse me, may I sit here for a moment?)
Ji-won (Student): 네, 비어있어요. 편하게 앉으세요. (Yes, it's empty. Please sit comfortably.)
Analysis*: Min-joon politely requests permission to occupy a seat, showing consideration for others in a shared public space. Ji-won grants permission explicitly, reinforcing the polite exchange.
Scenario 2
Hana
내일 영화 보러 갈 건데, 민수도 같이 와도 돼? (I'm going to watch a movie tomorrow, is it okay if Minsu comes along?)Joon-ho: 응, 물론이지! 친구들 많이 데려와도 괜찮아. (Yeah, of course! It's fine even if you bring many friends.)
Analysis*: Hana asks if bringing an additional person is permissible, demonstrating respect for Joon-ho's plans. Joon-ho not only grants permission but also indicates a broader allowance for more friends, using 괜찮아 (it's okay) synonymously with 돼.
Scenario 3
New Employee
선배님, 퇴근 전에 이 서류 제출 안 해도 될까요? 오늘 좀 바빠서요. (Senior colleague, would it be okay if I don't submit these documents before leaving work? I'm a bit busy today.)Senior Colleague
네, 그럼 내일 오전에 해도 돼요. 급한 거 아니니까 걱정 마세요. (Yes, then you can do it tomorrow morning. It's not urgent, so don't worry.)Analysis*: The new employee uses the more deferential 안 해도 될까요? to ask for an exemption from a task, recognizing the hierarchical relationship. The senior colleague grants permission, explicitly stating the allowance for a delayed submission and reassuring the employee.
Quick FAQ
- Q: Can
아/어/여도 되다be used with nouns?
Not directly. You must attach the copula 이다 (to be) to the noun, which then conjugates to -(이)여도 되다. For example, 학생이어도 돼요? (Is it okay if I'm a student?). If the noun ends in a consonant, 이 is added (학생 + 이어도 → 학생이어도). If it ends in a vowel, only 여도 is added (의사 + 여도 → 의사여도).
- Q: Is
돼요more common than됩니다?
Yes, 돼요 (polite, informal-formal) is overwhelmingly more common in everyday conversational Korean. 됩니다 (formal, declarative) is typically reserved for highly formal contexts, official announcements, or presentations. For general use, 돼요 strikes the right balance of politeness without sounding stiff.
- Q: How do I express "It was okay to do it" (past tense)?
Simply conjugate 되다 into the past tense: 아/어/여도 됐다 or 아/어/여도 됐어요 (polite). For example, 어제 늦어도 됐어요. (It was okay to be late yesterday.) or 지난주에 여기에 주차해도 됐어요. (It was okay to park here last week.).
- Q: Is there a more polite way to ask a superior than
해도 돼요??
Yes, using -(으)ㄹ까요? (Shall I/Should I?) with 되다 makes it softer and more deferential. 해도 될까요? (Would it be alright if I do it?) implies a subtle request for the superior's opinion or grace, making it ideal for interacting with professors, bosses, or elders. This phrasing avoids a direct 'yes/no' and presents the action as a possibility that requires their consideration.
- Q: How do I express "You don't have to do X"?
You can negate the verb before attaching the -아/어/여도 되다 pattern. Two common ways are 안 + Verb + -아/어/여도 되다 or Verb stem + -지 않아도 되다. Both mean "you don't have to." For example, 내일 안 와도 돼요. (You don't have to come tomorrow.) or 내일 오지 않아도 돼요. (You don't have to come tomorrow.).
- Q: Can I use this for future tense?
Yes, by conjugating 되다 into the future tense. Common forms include 아/어/여도 될 거예요 (polite, standard future) or 아/어/여도 되겠습니다 (formal, volitional future). For instance, 나중에 전화해도 될 거예요. (It will be okay to call later.) or 내일 일찍 가도 되겠습니다. (It will be okay to leave early tomorrow; formal statement of permission).
- Q: Are there any shorter, informal ways to express this in texting?
In very casual texting among close friends, one might abbreviate to just 돼? or even use context and emojis. However, for clear communication and in all but the most intimate contexts, sticking to the full or polite form ~도 돼? or ~도 돼요? is recommended to avoid ambiguity or sounding abrupt.
Conjugation Table
| Verb | Stem | Vowel | Pattern | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
가다
|
가
|
ㅏ
|
-아도
|
가도 되다
|
|
먹다
|
먹
|
ㅓ
|
-어도
|
먹어도 되다
|
|
하다
|
하
|
ㅏ
|
-여도
|
해도 되다
|
|
오다
|
오
|
ㅗ
|
-아도
|
와도 되다
|
|
배우다
|
배우
|
ㅜ
|
-어도
|
배워도 되다
|
|
쓰다
|
쓰
|
ㅡ
|
-어도
|
써도 되다
|
Meanings
This pattern is used to express that an action is permitted or acceptable. When used as a question, it functions as 'May I...?'
Asking Permission
Seeking approval to perform an action.
“사진을 찍어도 돼요?”
“창문을 열어도 될까요?”
Granting Permission
Confirming that an action is allowed.
“네, 앉아도 돼요.”
“네, 먹어도 괜찮아요.”
Stating Acceptability
Describing a situation where something is permissible.
“여기서는 담배를 피워도 돼요.”
“주말에 와도 돼요.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Verb-아/어/여도 되다
|
가도 돼요.
|
|
Negative
|
Verb-아/어/여도 안 되다
|
가도 안 돼요.
|
|
Question
|
Verb-아/어/여도 되나요?
|
가도 되나요?
|
|
Formal
|
Verb-아/어/여도 됩니다
|
가도 됩니다.
|
|
Past
|
Verb-아/어/여도 됐어요
|
가도 됐어요.
|
|
Polite Question
|
Verb-아/어/여도 될까요?
|
가도 될까요?
|
Formality Spectrum
여기에 앉아도 됩니까? (Cafe)
여기에 앉아도 돼요? (Cafe)
여기 앉아도 돼? (Cafe)
여기 앉아도 됨? (Cafe)
Permission Flow
Asking
- 가도 돼요? Can I go?
Granting
- 네, 가도 돼요. Yes, you can go.
Examples by Level
가도 돼요?
May I go?
먹어도 돼요?
May I eat?
해도 돼요?
May I do it?
앉아도 돼요?
May I sit?
사진을 찍어도 됩니다.
You may take photos.
여기 주차해도 돼요?
May I park here?
지금 전화해도 될까요?
May I call you now?
내일 와도 돼요.
You may come tomorrow.
이 서류를 가져가도 괜찮을까요?
Would it be okay if I took this document?
비밀번호를 알려줘도 돼요?
Is it okay to share the password?
환불을 받아도 될까요?
May I get a refund?
개인적인 질문을 해도 될까요?
May I ask a personal question?
규정상 외부 음식은 반입해도 됩니다.
According to the rules, you may bring in outside food.
그렇게 결정해도 후회하지 않겠어요?
Are you sure it's okay to decide that way?
이런 식으로 처리해도 문제가 없을까요?
Will there be any issues if we handle it this way?
제 의견을 말씀드려도 될까요?
May I offer my opinion?
이러한 조치를 취해도 법적으로 문제가 없음을 확인했습니다.
We have confirmed that there are no legal issues with taking these measures.
그렇게까지 무리해서 진행해도 괜찮은 건가요?
Is it really okay to proceed with such strain?
본인의 의사에 따라 선택해도 무방합니다.
You are free to choose according to your own will.
이 정도의 예외는 인정해도 될 듯합니다.
I think it is acceptable to allow this level of exception.
귀하께서 원하신다면 그렇게 처리해도 하등의 문제가 없습니다.
If you wish, there is absolutely no problem with handling it that way.
이러한 관례를 무시하고 진행해도 괜찮을지 의문입니다.
I doubt whether it is acceptable to proceed while ignoring such customs.
그의 제안을 수용해도 좋을지 신중히 검토해야 합니다.
We must carefully review whether it is advisable to accept his proposal.
어떠한 결과가 초래되더라도 감수해도 좋다는 뜻입니까?
Do you mean you are willing to accept whatever consequences may follow?
Easily Confused
Learners mix up permission and prohibition.
Both mean 'it's okay'.
Both are used for suggestions/permission.
Common Mistakes
가다도 돼요
가도 돼요
먹어다 돼요
먹어도 돼요
해요도 돼요
해도 돼요
가도 되나요?
가도 돼요?
가도 괜찮아요?
가도 돼요?
가도 안 돼요
가면 안 돼요
가도 됩니까?
가도 돼요?
가도 될까요?
가도 될까요?
가도 되게 해요
가도 돼요
가도 되나요
가도 되나요?
가도 되게끔 하세요
가도 좋습니다
가도 됨
가도 됩니다
가도 괜찮음
가도 괜찮습니다
Sentence Patterns
___ 해도 돼요?
네, ___ 해도 돼요.
___ 해도 될까요?
규정상 ___ 해도 됩니다.
Real World Usage
댓글 달아도 돼요?
지금 전화해도 돼?
질문해도 될까요?
여기 앉아도 돼요?
문 앞에 놔둬도 돼요?
화장실에 가도 돼요?
Interchangeable with 괜찮다
Don't confuse with -(으)면 되다
Softer Requests
Smart Tips
Use -ㄹ까요 for a softer, more polite tone.
Use 괜찮아요 for a friendly tone.
Always use formal endings.
Use the formal written style.
Pronunciation
Linking
The 'ㄷ' in '도' links to the 'ㄷ' in '되다'.
Rising
가도 돼요? ↑
Indicates a question.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Do' (되다) as 'Do it!'. If you ask 'Do I do it?', you are asking for permission.
Visual Association
Imagine a teacher nodding their head. The nod is the '도' (도-da).
Rhyme
If you want to know if it's okay, add -아/어/여도 되다 today!
Story
Min-su wants to eat a cookie. He looks at his mom. He asks, '먹어도 돼요?' (May I eat it?). Mom nods and says, '네, 먹어도 돼요.' Now Min-su is happy.
Word Web
Challenge
Ask 3 people for permission to do something small today using this grammar.
Cultural Notes
Asking permission is a sign of respect for boundaries. Always use polite forms with elders.
Derived from '되다' (to become/to be possible).
Conversation Starters
여기 앉아도 돼요?
사진을 찍어도 될까요?
질문해도 될까요?
제가 먼저 가도 될까요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
여기 ___ 돼요? (앉다)
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
먹다도 돼요?
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
May I go?
Answer starts with: 가도 ...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
A: 질문해도 될까요? B: ___
Use '사진' and '찍다'.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises여기 ___ 돼요? (앉다)
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
먹다도 돼요?
돼요 / 여기 / 앉아도 / ?
May I go?
가다 -> ?
A: 질문해도 될까요? B: ___
Use '사진' and '찍다'.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises집에 ___ 돼요? (가다)
창문을 (열다) 돼요.
찍어도 / 사진 / 돼요 / ?
Choose the casual (banmal) form:
전화하도 돼요?
Match the following:
이 물 ___ 돼요? (마시다)
Choose the correct negative permission:
제가 조금 ___ 돼요? (늦다)
펜 / 빌려도 / 돼요 / ?
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
Yes, it is very versatile for asking permission.
It depends on the ending (해요 vs 합니다).
Use -면 안 되다.
No, it must be a verb.
No, it is polite.
Yes, it is common in all forms.
It's a standard rule for 하다 verbs.
Use -아/어/여도 됐어요.
Scaffolded Practice
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Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
¿Puedo...?
Spanish conjugates for person, Korean does not.
Est-ce que je peux...?
French requires inversion or 'est-ce que'.
Darf ich...?
German uses modal verbs, Korean uses a suffix.
-てもいいですか
The particles are different (-ても vs -아/어/여도).
هل يمكنني...?
Arabic is a prefix-based structure.
我可以...吗?
Chinese has no conjugation.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
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