JLPT N4 · Permission and obligation

〜なくてもいい

Do not have to do it

Meaning

Used when an action is not necessary.

Formation

  1. Drop い from the ない form and add くてもいい: 来なくてもいいです

When to use it

Core use
Do not have to do it

Example

明日あしたなくてもいいです

You do not have to come tomorrow.

Important notes

  • Pay attention to the word form before the construction and to the particles around it.

Common mistakes

  • Do not translate the pattern word for word; first identify its function in the whole situation.

Similar grammar

    All N4 grammarOpen in the app