Master Japanese Permission: How to Use 〜てもいいです (JLPT N4)

In Japanese culture, navigating social boundaries and showing respect is key. When you want to ask for permission ("May I...?") or grant it ("You may..."), the standard, polite formula to use is 〜てもいいです (~te mo ii desu).

This guide will break down how to conjugate, use, and master this essential JLPT N4 grammar point.

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1. The Grammar Formula

To construct this phrase, you only need two ingredients: the Te-form of a verb and もいいです (mo ii desu).

$$\text{Verb [Te-form]} + \text{もいいです}$$

Literal Meaning

• 〜て (Te-form): Connective particle.
• も (mo): "Also" or "even if."
• いいです (ii desu): "It is good/okay."
• Literal translation: "Even if I do [verb], it is okay."

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2. Asking for Permission: 〜てもいいですか

To ask if you are allowed to do something, simply add the question particle か (ka) to the end.

• 写真を撮ってもいいですか。
  • Shashin o tottemo ii desu ka?
  • May I take a picture?
  写真撮
• ここに入ってもいいですか。
  • Koko ni haittemo ii desu ka?
  • May I come in here?
  入
• 窓を閉めてもいいですか。
  • Mado o shimetemo ii desu ka?
  • May I close the window?
  窓閉

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3. Granting Permission: 〜てもいいです(よ)

When giving someone permission, you use the plain statement. Native speakers almost always add the soft sentence-ending particle よ (yo) to make the permission sound warm and reassuring.

• A: このペンを使ってもいいですか。 (May I use this pen?)使
• B: ええ、使ってもいいですよ。 (Yes, you may use it.)使

💡 Tutor Tip: If you want to say "You don't have to [do something]," you can use the negative variation: 〜なくてもいいです (nakutemo ii desu).
Example: 急がなくてもいいですよ。 (You don't have to hurry.)急

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4. Casual vs. Polite Nuances

In casual speech with friends or family, you can drop も (mo), です (desu), and か (ka). Your voice pitch rises at the end of a question.

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5. Quick Practice Challenge

Translate the following sentences into Japanese using 〜てもいいです. (Answers below)

1. May I drink this water? (Polite)
2. You may watch TV. (Casual)
3. May I sit here? (Polite)

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Answers

1. この水を飲んでもいいですか。 (Kono mizu o nondemo ii desu ka?)水飲
2. テレビを見ていいよ。 (Terebi o mite ii yo.)見
3. ここに座ってもいいですか。 (Koko ni suattemo ii desu ka?)座