～なくてもいい
〜nakutemo ii
JLPT N4 Neutral
Formation
Verb-ない-form + てもいい
Expresses that something is not necessary to do; 'it's okay if not', 'don't have to'.
When to use
The everyday 'don't have to' (行かなくてもいい). Not permission: that is てもいい.
Explanation
The ～なくてもいい grammar point is used to express that an action or situation is not necessary or required, implying that it's okay if it does not occur. It can be translated as 'it's okay if not' or 'don't have to' in English. This grammar is used with verbs.
Example sentences
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You don't have to drink the coffee.
Koohii wa nomanakutemo ii desu.
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It's okay if you don't do your homework today.
Shukudai wo kyou shinakutemo ii desu.
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You don't have to reply immediately.
Sugu ni henji wo shinakutemo ii desu yo.
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You don't have to eat everything, so please don't force yourself.
Zenbu tabenakutemo ii desu kara, muri shinai de kudasai.
No Need To
- ～ことはない〜koto wa naiN3Expresses that something doesn't need to be done or…
- ～には及ばない〜ni wa oyobanaiN1Means 'no need to go that far' or 'not necessary'.
- Verbる までもない〜ru made mo naiN1It's not necessary to the extent of; no need to.
- Verbる にはあたらないVerb-ru ni wa ataranaiN1Used to say 'there is no need to...', 'it’s not necessary…
Corpus examples (60)
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May I eat this cake?
「百八といえば煩悩の数だ」「お兄ちゃんはどんな煩悩があるの？」「言ってもいいが、検閲削除になるぞ」
"Talking about 108, that's the number of worldly passions." "What worldly passions have you got then?" "I could say, but it'll get censored out."
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You might at least say thank you.
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It is time you left off your childish ways.
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Can I order from the breakfast menu?
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May I visit your home one of these days?
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May I have some more tea if there is any in the pot?
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May I use your car, Dad?
「お父さん、質問してもいい？」と彼女は経験を積んだ親なら誰でもおなじみの、我慢強く苛立ちを抑えた調子で口火を切った。
"Let me ask you something, Dad," she began, in a tone of patiently controlled exasperation that every experienced parent is familiar with.
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You're old enough to know better.
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Can I go swimming, Mother?
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It's high time you went to bed, Ken.
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May I help myself?
ここ通ってもいいですか？
Can we go through here?
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Feel free to speak German.
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Would you mind translating this into French for me?
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Can I say it in French?
ここに座ってもいいですか？
Can I sit here?
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She told me that I could use her room.
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Is it OK if I come?
行かなくてもいいよ。
You don't need to go.
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Can I take a picture of you?
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Is it OK if we don't go to Costco this time?
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We don't need to do that today.
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Can I have a bite?