Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing permission depends on whether you are giving, asking for, or stating that something is allowed. Common patterns include 〜てもいい, 〜てはいけない for prohibition, and nouns like 許可 and 承諾.
The speaker wants to ask if they may do something.
Polite way to ask 'May I ~?' or 'Is it okay if I ~?'. Attach to the te-form of a verb.
May I take a photo?
Is it okay if I sit here?
More formal than 〜てもいいですか. Often used in business or service situations.
May I use the restroom?
Literally 'Would you mind if I ~?'. Polite and slightly formal.
Do you mind if I smoke?
The speaker allows someone to do something.
Standard way to say 'You may ~' or 'It's okay to ~'.
You can play here.
Describing rules or general permission.
Indicates ability or permission depending on context. 'It is possible/allowed to ~'.
Referring to the formal act or document of permission.
A permit or license (physical document).
〜てもいい is used for giving/asking permission in a personal, situational sense. 〜ことができる is more about general possibility or rules, and can sound more formal or impersonal.
May I take photos here? (asking for personal permission)
You may go home.
Prohibition: 'You must not ~'. The negative form of giving permission.
You must not smoke here.
Formal noun meaning 'permission' or 'authorization'. Often used in official contexts.
Formal consent or approval, often used in legal or business contexts.
Please sign the consent form.
You can use this room.
Casual way to say 'It's okay to ~' or 'No problem if you ~'.
It's okay if you're late.
Means 'possible' or 'permitted'. Often used in written rules.
Re-entry is permitted.
Please show your permit.
Official approval or authorization, often by a government agency.
Building permission was granted.
この美術館では写真を撮ることができます。
You can take photos in this museum. (stating a rule)
English 'permission' is often not directly translated. Instead, use verb patterns like 〜てもいい or 〜てはいけない. Using the noun 許可 in casual conversation can sound overly formal or stiff.