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In this lesson, you will learn how to use the Japanese grammar ～てもいいですか.
When You are chatting with a Japanese friend, you receive a call on your smartphone.
It seems to be an important matter from your boss.
What should you say to get permission to answer the call without being rude?
The answer is: Excuse me, “すみません、ちょっと電話に出てもいいですか。(すみません、ちょっと でんわに でてもいいですか )”
Today, let's learn about “~てもいいですか.”
👉<Use>
・"〜てもいいですか" is used to seek permission.
In English, equivalent phrases include "Is it okay if...?", "May I...?"or"Can I...?".
The sentence "すみません、ちょっと電話に出てもいいですか。" means "Excuse me, can I take this call for a second?".
👉<Form>
To add "も いいですか" to the " verb てform".
電話に 出てもいいですか。
出ます ⇒ 出て
・💁 Explanation of Verb てform ↓↓
👉<Examples>
1. この本を借りてもいいですか。
May I borrow this book?
2. この椅子に座ってもいいですか。
Can I sit in this chair?
3. そのチョコレートを食べてもいいですか。
May I eat that chocolate?
4. 暑いですから、窓を開けてもいいですか。
It's hot, is it ok if I open the window?
5. 写真を撮ってもいいですか。
Can I take a photo?
6. このペンを使ってもいいですか。
Is it okay if I use this pen?
7. 今、トイレに行ってもいいですか。
Is it okay if I go to the bathroom now?
8. 電話をかけてもいいですか。
May I make a phone call?
9. 宿題について質問してもいいですか。
Can I ask you a question about the homework?
10. この部屋で少しだけ休んでもいいですか。
May I take a short rest in this room?
There are two ways to respond to "〜てもいいですか": granting permission or refusing permission. Here are examples of how one might respond:
Q: この本を借りてもいいですか。
May I borrow this book?
A: はい／ええ、どうぞ。
Of course, go ahead.
Q: この本を借りてもいいですか。
May I borrow this book?
A: すみません、これから読みますから。
Sorry, I'll read it now.
※When refusing, it is polite to add a reason to "すみません".
Video Explanation
Suggested Study Material
Minna no Nihongo I (Main Textbook)
This grammar point appears in Minna no Nihongo(Lesson15), one of the most widely used beginner textbooks for Japanese learners.
Check textbook detailsThe main textbook is written mostly in Japanese, so many learners also use the Translation & Grammar Notes together.
Minna no Nihongo I – Translation & Grammar Notes (English)
Check translation & grammar book※Minna no Nihongo is available worldwide on Amazon. If the link does not work in your country, you can search the title on your local Amazon store.
Speaking Practice
Practice Japanese on italki
If you want to practice this grammar in real conversation, learning with a tutor can help you improve faster. Many learners find that regular speaking practice is the fastest way to become confident in Japanese.
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