〜てもいいですか
May I…? / Is it OK to…?
Check politely whether an action is allowed before you do it.
Remember it
Need a green light? Say the action, then 〜てもいいですか.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
Asks for permission politely. Essential for a new employee: 質問してもいいですか (May I ask a question?), 帰ってもいいですか (May I go home?). The reply 大丈夫です or どうぞ means yes.
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質問してもいいですか。
しつもんしても いいですか。
shitsumon shite mo ii desu ka
May I ask a question?
Everyday life
Example 2この椅子を使ってもいいですか。
このいすを つかっても いいですか。
kono isu o tsukatte mo ii desu ka
May I use this chair?
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 2
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
May I ask a question?
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜てもいいですか.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.