JLPT N5
てもいい
May / It's okay to ~
Structure
Verb て-form もいい
How it works
This grammar structure is used to ask for or give permission to perform an action. It is formed by changing a verb into its 'te-form' and adding 'mo ii', which literally means 'even if you do [verb], it is good'.
Examples
ここで写真を撮ってもいいですか。
Is it okay to take photos here?
この辞書を使ってもいいですよ。
You may use this dictionary.
テレビを見てもいい？
Can I watch TV?
Common mistakes
Do not use the dictionary form (e.g., 'taberu mo ii'); you must change the verb to the 'te-form' first.
Tip
In casual conversation, the 'ii' is often dropped or the sentence ends with 'mo?' as an inflection to ask for permission quickly.
More JLPT N5 grammar
See てもいい in real Japanese
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