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.
写真を撮ってもいいですか。
May I take a photo?
ここに座ってもいいですか。
Is it okay if I sit here?
More formal than 〜てもいいですか. Often used in business or service situations.
お手洗いをお借りしてもよろしいですか。
May I use the restroom?
Literally 'Would you mind if I ~?'. Polite and slightly formal.
タバコを吸っても構いませんか。
Do you mind if I smoke?
The speaker allows someone to do something.
Standard way to say 'You may ~' or 'It's okay to ~'.
ここで遊んでもいいです。
You can play here.
帰ってもいいですよ。
You may go home.
Prohibition: 'You must not ~'. The negative form of giving permission.
ここでタバコを吸ってはいけません。
You must not smoke here.
Formal noun meaning 'permission' or 'authorization'. Often used in official contexts.
許可が必要です。
Permission is required.
Formal consent or approval, often used in legal or business contexts.
Describing rules or general permission.
Indicates ability or permission depending on context. 'It is possible/allowed to ~'.
この部屋を使うことができます。
You can use this room.
Casual way to say 'It's okay to ~' or 'No problem if you ~'.
遅れても大丈夫です。
It's okay if you're late.
Means 'possible' or 'permitted'. Often used in written rules.
Referring to the formal act or document of permission.
A permit or license (physical document).
許可証を見せてください。
Please show your permit.
Official approval or authorization, often by a government agency.
〜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.
ここで写真を撮ってもいいですか。
May I take photos here? (asking for personal permission)
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.
許可を得る。
To obtain permission.
承諾書にサインしてください。
Please sign the consent form.
Re-entry is permitted.
Building permission was granted.