Do Not Have To: 〜なくてもいい

Use 〜なくてもいい to say something is optional and read the whole pattern without confusing it with prohibition.

Use 〜なくてもいい to mean “do not have to.”Distinguish optional actions from prohibited actions.Read 〜なくてもいい as one whole pattern in connected text.

Guided study

Form and meaning

Use 〜なくてもいい to say that an action is not necessary. It means “do not have to” or “it is okay not to.”

今日は学校へ行かなくてもいい。

You do not have to go to school today.

This means going is optional today.

この質問は全部答えなくてもいい。

You do not have to answer every question.

The full pattern should be read together as one meaning chunk.

明日早く来なくてもいい。

You do not have to come early tomorrow.

This can also talk about future plans or schedules.

Use these hub pages to connect this lesson with related reading practice and grammar paths.

Use the N5 Japanese grammar lessons guide to connect this lesson with related reading practice.

Use the Japanese grammar practice guide to connect this lesson with related reading practice.

Use the Japanese grammar lessons guide to connect this lesson with related reading practice.