Grammar
N5 verb-grammar

Permission 〜てもいいです

Meaning

"You may ~ / it's okay to ~". As a question (〜てもいいですか) = "May I ~?" As a statement = granting permission.

Formation

Notes

Reply to grant: はい、いいですよ. To refuse: いいえ、〜ないでください / いけません.

Examples

May I sit here?

Breakdown
here at even if sit is it ok?

You may take photos. (granting)

Breakdown
photo (object) even if take is ok

May I go home?

Breakdown
even if return is it ok?

May I take the day off tomorrow?

Breakdown
tomorrow even if rest is it ok?

Yes, that's fine. (granting)

Breakdown
yes is fine

May I borrow this book?

Breakdown
this book (object) even if borrow is it ok?

⚠️ Often confused with

Prohibition 〜てはいけません

"You must not ~ / it's forbidden". Strong prohibition. Casual: 〜ちゃだめ / 〜てはいけない...