〜なくてもいいです
don't have to ~
Check politely whether an action is allowed before you do it.
Remember it
Need a green light? Say the action, then 〜なくてもいいです.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜なくてもいいです」 means "don't have to ~". Structure: Verb nai-stem + なくてもいいです. This is a JLPT N4 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Use it before borrowing, entering, leaving, or changing something.
Tone: Polite
A safe choice for everyday conversations, shops, school, and the workplace.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1故障は出さなくてもいいです。
こしょう は ださなくても いい です。
koshou wa dasanakutemo ii desu.
You do not have to submit the breakdown.
Everyday life
Example 2お釣りは出さなくてもいいです。
おつり は ださなくても いい です。
otsuri wa dasanakutemo ii desu.
You do not have to submit the change (money).
Everyday life
Example 3畳は出さなくてもいいです。
たたみ は ださなくても いい です。
tatami wa dasanakutemo ii desu.
You do not have to submit the tatami mat.
Everyday life
Example 4紙は出さなくてもいいです。
かみ は ださなくても いい です。
kami wa dasanakutemo ii desu.
You do not have to submit the paper.
Everyday life
Example 5草は出さなくてもいいです。
くさ は ださなくても いい です。
kusa wa dasanakutemo ii desu.
You do not have to submit the grass.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
You do not have to submit the breakdown.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜なくてもいいです.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.