Meaning
Used when an action is permitted or when the speaker asks for permission.
Formation
- て form + もいい — 座ってもいいです
- Ask permission as a question: 座ってもいいですか
When to use it
- Core use
- May, it is okay to
Examples
20 sentences-
ここに座ってもいいです
It is okay to sit here.
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先に食べてもいいです
It is okay to eat first.
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写真を撮ってもいいですか
May I take a picture?
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この部屋でパソコンを使ってもいいです
It is okay to use a computer in this room.
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暑いなら窓を開けてもいいです
If it is hot, you may open the window.
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宿題が終わったら少し休んでもいいです
After finishing homework, it is okay to rest a little.
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この本を借りてもいいですか
May I borrow this book?
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仕事が終わったら帰ってもいいです
You may go home when you finish your work.
12 more examples
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ここでは靴を脱いでもいいです
You may take off your shoes here.
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飲み物を持ち込んでもいいですか
May I bring a drink inside?
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小さな荷物を運んでもいいですか
May I carry the small luggage?
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青い封筒を選んでもいいですか
May I choose a blue envelope?
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古い雑誌を捨ててもいいですか
May I throw away the old magazines?
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台所の窓を開けてもいいですか
May I open the kitchen window?
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旅行の写真を見てもいいですか
May I look at the travel photos?
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短い手紙を書いてもいいですか
May I write a short letter?
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友達の話を聞いてもいいですか
May I listen to my friend's story?
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駅の名前を覚えてもいいですか
May I memorize the station name?
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家の鍵を探してもいいですか
May I look for the house key?
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晩ご飯の準備をしてもいいですか
May I prepare dinner?
Important notes
- A question with てもいいですか asks permission.
Common mistakes
- Use the て form: 座ってもいい, not 座るもいい.
Check yourself
Pick the translation of each sentence. The wrong options translate similar patterns, so watch the grammar rather than the words.
Similar grammar
Hear it in podcasts
The pattern appears in these episodes. They open in the app with the transcript and translation.
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