One of the most useful grammar patterns in any language is how to ask for permission. In Japanese, the phrase ～てもいい lets you do just that. It’s a polite and flexible way to ask, “Is it okay if I ___?” or to grant permission to someone else.
～てもいい
May I? / It’s okay if...
Usage Pattern
- [Verb in て-form] + も + いい（です)
- Add か at the end to ask a question: ～てもいいですか。
- For negatives: [Negative verb in て-form] + も + いい（です）
Details
JLPT Level: N5
How to Use It
Use ～てもいい to ask or give permission. Attach it to the て-form of a verb. You can also use it to ask if it’s okay not to do something by turning a verb into its negative て-form (e.g., いかなくて). This phrase is common in everyday conversation and can be formal or casual depending on how it’s said.
Want A Deeper Explanation?
Example 1
トイレに行ってもいいですか。
といれ に いって も いい です か。
Toire ni itte mo ii desu ka.
May I go to the bathroom?
Example 2
この本を借りてもいい？
この ほん を かりて も いい？
Kono hon o karite mo ii?
Is it okay if I borrow this book?
Example 3
食べなくてもいいです。
たべなくて も いい です。
Tabenakute mo ii desu.
It’s okay if you don’t eat it.