〜てもいいです
may / it is OK to ~
Check politely whether an action is allowed before you do it.
Remember it
Need a green light? Say the action, then 〜てもいいです.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜てもいいです」 means "may / it is OK to ~". Structure: Verb te-form + もいいです. This is a JLPT N5 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水を使ってもいいです。
みずをつかってもいいです。
mizuotsukattemoiidesu.
You may use the water.
Everyday life
Example 2かばんを使ってもいいです。
かばんをつかってもいいです。
kaban'otsukattemoiidesu.
You may use the bag.
Everyday life
Example 3時計を使ってもいいです。
とけいをつかってもいいです。
tokeiotsukattemoiidesu.
You may use the clock.
Everyday life
Example 4ご飯を使ってもいいです。
ごはんをつかってもいいです。
gohan'otsukattemoiidesu.
You may use the rice.
Everyday life
Example 5野菜を使ってもいいです。
やさいをつかってもいいです。
yasaiotsukattemoiidesu.
You may use the vegetables.
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 may use the water.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜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.