Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 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 3
Asking for permission
Use 〜てもいいですか to ask if an action is allowed. It is common in classrooms, offices, and other public places.
Target signal
ここに座ってもいいですか。
May I sit here?
〜てもいいですか asks whether sitting here is allowed.
Vocabulary notes
- 座ってもいいですか
- may I sit here?
- てもいい
- may do ...; is it okay to ...?
- ここに
- here
Compare in context
写真を撮ってもいいですか。
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?
- てもいい
- may do ...; is it okay to ...?
- いい
- good; nice; okay
Section 2 of 3
Giving permission
Use 〜てもいいです to say that something is allowed. In short replies, はい、いいです is common.
Target signal
このペンを使ってもいいです。
You may use this pen.
〜てもいいです states that the action is allowed.
Vocabulary notes
- 使ってもいいです
- you may use; it is okay to use
- てもいい
- may do ...; is it okay to ...?
- 使って
- using and
Preview
入ってもいいですよ。
You may come in.
The よ adds a friendly and helpful tone to the reply.
Vocabulary notes
- 入ってもいいですよ
- you may come in
- てもいい
- may do ...; is it okay to ...?
- 入って
- entering; getting in
Section 3 of 3
Reading tip
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.
Target signal
ここで食べてもいいですか。
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?
- 食べてもいいです
- you may eat; it is okay to eat
- てもいい
- may do ...; is it okay to ...?
Preview
はい、食べてもいいです。
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
- てもいい
- may do ...; is it okay to ...?
- 食べて
- eat and...
Preview
いいえ、ここでは食べてはいけません。
No, you may not eat here.
Negative replies often use a prohibition pattern such as 〜てはいけません.
Vocabulary notes
- 食べてはいけません
- must not eat
- いいえ
- no
- ここで
- here; at this place