Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 4
Asking for permission
Ask for permission with 〜.
Start with the example
。
May I sit here?
〜 asks whether sitting here is allowed.
Notice the variation
。
May I take a picture?
This is a common permission question in museums, shops, and tourist spots.
More detail: how to apply this
Use 〜 to ask if an action is allowed.
It is common in classrooms, offices, and other public places.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Separate asking permission from receiving it, and permission from a requirement.
Final makes it a question. Permission has not yet been granted; the reply must provide that.
。
May I eat here?
Separate asking permission from receiving it, and permission from a requirement.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
May I sit here?
〜 asks whether sitting here is allowed.
Vocabulary notes
- ここに
- here
- 座ってもいいですか
- may I sit here?
Compare in context
。
May I take a picture?
This is a common permission question in museums, shops, and tourist spots.
Vocabulary notes
- 撮ってもいいですか
- may I take a picture?
Section 2 of 4
Giving permission
Giving permission
Start with the example
。
You may use this pen.
〜 states that the action is allowed.
Notice the variation
。
You may come in.
The adds a friendly and helpful tone to the reply.
More detail: how to apply this
Use 〜 to say that something is allowed.
In short replies, 、 is common.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
You may use this pen.
〜 states that the action is allowed.
。
You may use this pen.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: You may use this pen.
Showing Giving permission: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
You may use this pen.
〜 states that the action is allowed.
Vocabulary notes
- 使ってもいいです
- you may use; it is okay to use
Preview
。
You may come in.
The adds a friendly and helpful tone to the reply.
Vocabulary notes
- 入ってもいいですよ
- you may come in
Section 3 of 4
Reading tip
Separate asking permission from receiving it, and permission from a requirement.
Reading tip
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
identifies eating here as the action under discussion.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Permission language often appears in questions and short replies.
Listen for the action first, then decide whether the speaker is asking, allowing, or refusing the action.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
May I eat here?
The speaker is asking whether eating in this place is okay.
。
May I eat here?
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: May I eat here?
Showing Reading tip: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
May I eat here?
The speaker is asking whether eating in this place is okay.
Vocabulary notes
- 食べてもいいですか
- may I eat?
Preview
、。
Yes, you may eat here.
Short permission replies often repeat the allowed action.
Vocabulary notes
- 食べてもいいです
- you may eat; it is okay to eat
Preview
、。
No, you may not eat here.
Negative replies often use a prohibition pattern such as 〜.
Vocabulary notes
- いいえ
- no
- ここで
- here; at this place
- 食べてはいけません
- must not eat
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
Example B
Your turn · decide before revealing
How do these two examples change the meaning?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
grants permission;
requests the action.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
grants permission; requests the action.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: You may sit / please sit
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.