Processing keyword: ～てもいい (〜temo ii)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～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 to express permission in Japanese. It translates to "it's okay to..." or "you may..." in English, making it useful for giving or asking for permission in various contexts.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The phrase indicates that something is permissible or acceptable. It can be used when the speaker wants to grant permission or when inquiring if something is allowed.

• Structure:

  • Depending on the verb form, use the following structures to express permission:
    • For ru-verbs: Verb (ru-form) + てもいい
      • Example: 食べる (taberu - to eat) → 食べてもいい (tabete mo ii - it’s okay to eat)
    • For u-verbs: Verb (u-form) + てもいい
      • Example: 行く (iku - to go) → 行ってもいい (itte mo ii - it’s okay to go)
    • For い-adjectives: Adjective (い-form) + くてもいい
      • Example: 高い (takai - expensive) → 高くてもいい (takakute mo ii - it’s okay if it’s expensive)
    • For な-adjectives: Adjective (な-form) + でもいい
      • Example: きれい (kirei - beautiful) → きれいでもいい (kirei demo ii - it’s okay if it’s beautiful)

Formation Diagram:

1. Ru-Verb: Verb (ru-form) + てもいい
   Example: 食べる (taberu) → 食べてもいい (tabete mo ii)
2. U-Verb: Verb (u-form) + てもいい
   Example: 行く (iku) → 行ってもいい (itte mo ii)
3. I-Adjective: Adjective (い-form) + くてもいい
   Example: 高い (takai) → 高くてもいい (takakute mo ii)
4. Na-Adjective: Adjective (な-form) + でもいい
   Example: きれい (kirei) → きれいでもいい (kirei demo ii)

Visual Aids

3. Comparative Analysis

• Similar Grammar Points:
  • ～てはいけない (〜te wa ikenai): This expresses prohibition (it’s not okay to...). For example, 食べてはいけない (tabete wa ikenai - it’s not okay to eat).
  • ～て欲しい (〜te hoshii): This expresses a desire for someone to do something (I want you to...). For example, 行って欲しい (itte hoshii - I want you to go).

Differences:

• While ～てもいい allows permission, ～てはいけない restricts actions, and ～て欲しい indicates desire regarding actions of others.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples:

1. Formal:

   • この本を読んでもいいですか？
   • (Kono hon o yonde mo ii desu ka?)
   • "Is it okay if I read this book?"

2. Informal:

   • ここで寝てもいいよ。
   • (Koko de nete mo ii yo.)
   • "It's okay to sleep here."

3. Written:

   • もしお手伝いが必要であれば、ぜひお知らせください。参加してもいいです。
   • (Moshi otetsudai ga hitsuyou de areba, zehi oshirase kudasai. Sankashite mo ii desu.)
   • "If you need assistance, please let me know. You may participate."

4. Spoken:

   • この映画、見てもいい。
   • (Kono eiga, mite mo ii.)
   • "I can watch this movie."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, politeness is crucial, so the use of formal and informal speech is significant. The context in which you use てもいい can indicate your social standing or relationship with the listener.

Levels of Politeness:

• Using てもいいでますか (temo ii desu ka) is more polite than just saying てもいい (temo ii).

Idiomatic Expressions:

• It’s common to use this grammar point to confirm what’s allowed in a social context, reflecting the Japanese values of consensus and consideration for others.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistaking the verb form can lead to errors. Make sure to match the verb correctly based on whether it’s a ru-verb, u-verb, or adjective.
• Not adding でも (demo) when using adjectives is a common mistake.

Learning Strategies

• Remember: “temo ii” provides permission; associate it with "it’s okay" for easier recall.
• Practice by turning statements of prohibition (～てはいけない) into permission statements (～てもいい) to grasp the distinction.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～てもいい (〜temo ii) expresses permission, indicating that something is allowed.
• It can apply to verbs and adjectives, with specific forms for different types.
• Understanding the context and level of politeness is essential in using this phrase appropriately.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ～てもいい mean?
2. How do you form it with the verb 食べる (taberu)?
3. Give an example using an い-adjective.

This explanation offers a comprehensive overview of the grammar point ～てもいい, enabling learners to understand and apply it effectively.