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てもいい (May/Can)

[て-form]もいいです

Explanation

Asks for or grants permission.

Formation

て-form + もいいです

Examples

入ってもいいですか。
Haitte mo ii desu ka.
May I come in?
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写真を撮ってもいいですか。
Shashin o totte mo ii desu ka.
May I take a photo?
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座ってもいいですよ。
Suwatte mo ii desu yo.
You may sit down.
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Usage Notes

  • Asking permission: add か
  • Granting permission: add よ
  • Casual: てもいい？
  • Negative: なくてもいい (don't have to)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Response: いいです (yes) / すみません、ちょっと... (no)
  • なくてもいい = don't have to (not prohibition)
  • Don't confuse with たい (want)

Related Grammar from "Verb Forms and Conjugations"

ます-form (Polite Present/Future)

[Verb Stem]ます

Polite form for present habitual actions or future intentions.

ました (Polite Past)

[Verb Stem]ました

Polite past tense form indicating completed actions.

ません (Polite Negative)

[Verb Stem]ません

Polite negative form for present/future.

More from "Verb Forms and Conjugations"