許Asking, advising and rules
Allowed or not
Ask and give permission with ~てもいい. Say something's off-limits with ~てはいけない.
Yes, and no
May, and must not
You may take photos in this garden.
You must not take photos here.
Asking
Asking permission
May I open the window?
May I sit here?
よろしい is more polite than いい.
Do you mind if I open the window?
かまいません means “it doesn't matter”.
Answers
How people respond
In real conversation, ちょっと… is the usual soft no. いけません sounds like a rule or a parent.
| Answer | Meaning |
|---|---|
| はい、いいです | Yes, go ahead |
| どうぞ | Please do |
| すみません、ちょっと… | Sorry… (polite way of saying no) |
| いいえ、いけません | No, you must not (strong, from authority) |
Beyond verbs
Also for “it's OK if”
It's fine if it's expensive.
Tokyo is fine as the place.
You can come any time.
With a question word: it doesn't matter when.
You don't have to come tomorrow.
Negative + てもいい means “don't need to”.
Stronger rules
いけない and ならない
A negative answer often uses ~てはいけません. ~てはならない is similar but sounds more formal and stronger, as in laws and rules. In casual speech, ~ては contracts to ~ちゃ: 食べちゃだめ, “You can't eat that.”
Check yourself
Is it allowed?
Your turn
も or は?
May I eat here?
Say it yourself
Your first day
It's your first day at the office. Ask your boss whether you may use the computer on the desk.
Automatic feedback on your own answers is coming to Premium.