Grammar Point

てもいい

indicates concession or compromise

after the ren'yōkei form of a verb

indicates permission


Verb て form + もいい

This grammar point is used to express permission or to state that something is acceptable or all right to do.

To give permission for an action, change the verb to its 'て' form and add 'もいい'.


You may enter the room.

It is all right to eat this apple.

Note

In casual speech, the も is often omitted, or the 'い' in 'いい' is often dropped. 'いい' can also be replaced with 'よい' in more formal writing. To ask for permission, simply add the question particle 'か' at the end (てもいいですか), or use a rising intonation in casual speech.

Adjective + もいい

This structure is used to indicate that a certain state or quality is acceptable or permitted.

い-Adjective + くてもいい

For い-adjectives, remove the final 'い' and add 'くてもいい'.


It is okay even if it is expensive.

な-Adjective stem + でもいい

For な-adjectives, add 'でもいい' to the stem.


It is okay even if it is not quiet.

Note

When using adjectives, this often carries the nuance of 'it's okay even if it is [adjective]'.

Noun + でもいい

This structure is used to indicate that a specific noun is acceptable or permitted.

Simply add 'でもいい' directly after the noun.


Water is fine (is acceptable).

Tomorrow is fine.

Note

This is commonly used when making a choice to show that any option is fine.



Radicals of radicals