"I want to use this pen, but I don't know if it's okay..." "I need to go to the bathroom, but I'm in a meeting..."
In such situations, you use "～temo ii desu ka" to ask for permission. It's a very useful expression, so let's master it!
1. Basic Structure
(It is okay to [Verb])
2. Asking for Permission
Using "~temo ii desu ka" asks "Is it okay if I...?"
写真を撮ってもいいですか。
しゃしんを とっても いい です か
May I take a photo?
ここに入ってもいいですか。
ここに はいっても いい です か
May I enter here?
3. Granting Permission
By saying "~temo ii desu yo", you can give permission.
はい、写真を撮ってもいいですよ。
はい、しゃしんを とっても いい です よ
Yes, you may take a photo.
4. Casual Conversation
With friends and family, you can shorten it to "~temo ii?".
このペン、使ってもいい？
この ぺん、つかっても いい？
Can I use this pen?
うん、いいよ。
うん、いいよ
Yeah, sure.
5. Summary
- Asking (Polite) → ~temo ii desu ka
- Giving (Polite) → ~temo ii desu (yo)
- Casual → ~temo ii? / ~temo ii yo
⚡ Practice Quiz
Check your understanding!