also: てもよい
てもいい · i-adjective (yoi/ii class)
| Form | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | てもいい | てもよくない |
| Polite | てもいいです | てもよくないですalso てもよくありません |
| Past polite | てもよかったです | てもよくなかったですalso てもよくありませんでした |
| Past | てもよかった | てもよくなかった |
| Te-form | てもよくて | てもよくなくて |
| Adverbial | てもよく | |
| Conditional | てもよければ | てもよくなければ |
| Tara conditional | てもよかったら | てもよくなかったら |
expression, i-adjective (yoi/ii class)
even if; even though; no matter how
Attaches to the -masu stem of a verb to express concession or compromise: 'even if one does...', 'no matter how...'. Often used with も in the main clause.
I'll take an umbrella just in case it rains.
expression, i-adjective (yoi/ii class)
Attaches to the -masu stem of a verb to express permission or allowance: 'it's okay to do...', 'you may do...'. Often used in questions asking for permission.
No matter how difficult it is, I want to give it a try.
May I take a picture here?
You can go home now.
てはいけない expresses prohibition ('must not do'), the opposite of permission. てもいい expresses permission or concession.
Kanji spelling using 良い; more formal or literary feel. Reading てもよい is typical for this form.
Kana spelling of the よい variant; slightly more formal than てもいい.
Combination of the conjunctive particle て (from the -masu stem of a verb) + も (inclusive particle) + いい/よい (adjective meaning 'good'). Literally 'even if ... it is good', which developed into expressions of concession and permission.