Processing keyword: ～てもいい (〜temo ii)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～てもいい (〜temo ii)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～てもいい (〜temo ii) is used in Japanese to express permission or to ask for permission. It translates to phrases like "It's okay to...", "You may...", or "May I...?" in English. This form is essential for everyday conversations when you want to allow someone to do something or seek approval.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• Expressing Permission: Indicating that performing an action is acceptable.
• Requesting Permission: Politely asking if one may perform an action.

Structure

The basic structure to form ～てもいい is:

1. Conjugate the verb to its て-form (te-form).
2. Add もいい after the て-form verb. [ Verb (て-form) + もいい ]

Formation Diagram

Verb (Dictionary Form)	Verb (て-form)	+ もいい	Full Expression	English Meaning
食べる (たべる)	食べて	もいい	食べてもいい	"It's okay to eat."
行く (いく)	行って	もいい	行ってもいい	"You may go."
見る (みる)	見て	もいい	見てもいい	"It's okay to look/watch."
飲む (のむ)	飲んで	もいい	飲んでもいい	"You may drink."
書く (かく)	書いて	もいい	書いてもいい	"It's okay to write."

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Detailed Explanation

1. Conjugate to て-form:
   • The て-form is used for various grammatical structures. To create it, verbs transform based on their group:
     • U-verbs: Replace the final u sound with -って, -んで, -いて, etc.
     • Ru-verbs: Replace る with て.
     • Irregular verbs: Memorize exceptions like する → して, 来る (くる) → 来て (きて).
2. Add もいい:
   • Attach もいい to the て-form verb to express that the action is permissible.
3. Politeness Levels:
   • For more politeness, add です: ～てもいいです.
   • In casual speech, です can be omitted.
4. Asking for Permission:
   • Turn the sentence into a question:
     • ～てもいいですか？ ("May I...?")

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

～てはいけない (〜te wa ikenai)

• Meaning: Prohibition; "You must not..."
• Usage: Indicates that an action is not allowed.
• Example: ここでタバコを吸ってはいけない。
  • Koko de tabako o sutte wa ikenai.
  • "You must not smoke here."

～てもかまわない (〜temo kamawanai)

• Meaning: It's okay to...; similar to ～てもいい but slightly more formal or emphatic.
• Example: 少し待ってもかまいません。
  • Sukoshi matte mo kamaimasen.
  • "I don't mind waiting a bit."

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Casual Situations

1. 写真を撮ってもいい？
   • Shashin o totte mo ii?
   • "Is it okay if I take a photo?"
2. ここに座ってもいいよ。
   • Koko ni suwatte mo ii yo.
   • "You can sit here."

Polite Conversations

3. ペンを借りてもいいですか？
   • Pen o karite mo ii desu ka?
   • "May I borrow your pen?"
4. 窓を開けてもいいですか？
   • Mado o akete mo ii desu ka?
   • "May I open the window?"

Formal Settings

5. 質問してもよろしいでしょうか。
   • Shitsumon shite mo yoroshii deshou ka.
   • "May I ask a question?"
6. この資料を見てもいいですか。
   • Kono shiryō o mite mo ii desu ka.
   • "May I look at these documents?"

Granting Permission

7. はい、使ってもいいです。
   • Hai, tsukatte mo ii desu.
   • "Yes, you may use it."
8. 休んでもいいですよ。
   • Yasunde mo ii desu yo.
   • "It's okay to take a break."

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Politeness and Respect:
  • In Japanese culture, requesting permission politely is crucial. Using ～てもいいですか？ shows respect and humility.
  • Upgrading to ～てもよろしいでしょうか。 indicates even higher politeness, suitable for formal occasions or when speaking to superiors.

Levels of Politeness

Expression	Politeness Level	Appropriate Context
～てもいい？	Casual	Friends, family, close colleagues
～てもいいですか？	Polite	Acquaintances, everyday situations
～てもよろしいですか？	Formal Polite	Business settings, with superiors
～てもよろしいでしょうか？	Very Formal	Formal events, high respect needed

Idiomatic Expressions

• よろしかったら、見てもいいですか？
  • Yoroshikattara, mite mo ii desu ka.
  • "If it's alright, may I take a look?"
  • Used to soften the request further.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Forgetting も:
   • ❌ ここで遊んでいいですか？
     • Koko de asonde ii desu ka?
     • This is understandable but less natural.
   • ✅ ここで遊んでもいいですか？
     • Koko de asonde mo ii desu ka?
     • Correct and natural way to ask for permission.
2. Incorrect Verb Form:
   • ❌ 入るもいいですか？
     • Hairu mo ii desu ka?
     • Uses the dictionary form instead of the て-form.
   • ✅ 入ってもいいですか？
     • Haitte mo ii desu ka?
     • Correct use of the て-form.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device:
  • "Te-form + mo ii": Think of "Te" as "hand" in Japanese. So, giving a "hand" to "mo ii", meaning you're handing over permission.
• Practice Conjugation:
  • Regularly practice converting verbs to their て-form, as it's essential for multiple grammar structures.
• Listen and Repeat:
  • Listen to native speakers using ～てもいい in context to grasp natural usage and intonation.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～てもいい is used to express or request permission.
• Formed by adding もいい to the て-form of a verb.
• Adjust the level of politeness according to the context by adding です, using more formal expressions, or altering intonation.
• Be mindful of cultural norms regarding politeness and respect when asking for permission.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank to request permission:
   テレビを _______ もいいですか？
   "May I watch TV?" Answer: 見て
   テレビを見てもいいですか？
2. True or False:
   ～てもいい can be used to give permission to someone. Answer: True
3. Correct the mistake:
   写真を撮りてもいいですか？ Answer:
   写真を撮ってもいいですか？
   (Use the correct て-form: 撮って)

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Feel free to practice using ～てもいい in your own sentences to become more comfortable with expressing and requesting permission in Japanese!

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