てもかまわない・
かまわない is "I don't mind". After ても it lets someone do something. After なくても it says there is no need, and it forbids nothing.
no need
You do not have to take off your shoes here.
Allowed
Verb in the て-form + もかまわない
帰って → 帰ってもかまわない. Polite かまいません.
No need
Verb ない-form: ない → なくて + もかまわない
帰らない → 帰らなくてもかまわない.
- Also after
- A noun or an adjective: いつでもかまいません (any time is fine), 少し遠くてもかまいません (I don't mind if it's a little far).
- Said by
- Whoever decides, or whoever would be put out: staff, a teacher, a host, the owner of the thing.
- Where you'll meet it
- Instructions, counters and offices, careful polite talk. Friends mostly say てもいい.
In use
You may mail the documents.
You do not have to reply right now.
You may sit in any seat.
As a question it is "do you mind if I…?", a polite way to ask a stranger. To a boss or a customer, てもよろしいですか is more careful. かまいません alone is a common answer.
Excuse me, do you mind if I sit here?
Not at all. Go ahead.
English answers "do you mind?" with a no. Japanese usually says yes.
Two things to know
かまわない or いい?
I don't mind if you park here.
It is no trouble to me. A little stiffer and more distant.
It can sound cold
かまわない says it makes no difference to you. When that lifts a burden (no need to reply now), it is kind. About whether someone comes or joins in, it can sound as if you don't care.
You don't have to come to the party. I don't mind.
If you hope they will come: 来られたら来てね, "come if you can".
Close neighbours
Check yourself
1What does this mean?
今日は、
Choose an answer to see why.
2Which one fits?
ここで
Choose an answer to see why.
More detail
In writing you will also see the kanji: 構わない, 構いません. It is the negative of 構う, to mind.
More sentences
Even during the meeting, you may step out if necessary.
You do not have to submit the application today.
If you are not going to use this box, you may throw it away.
You may use either desk, the one by the window or the one by the wall.
You may submit the materials on paper.