This means you have permission to do something. It is okay to do it. You can do it.
Verb [て-form] + も + いいPrimary
い-Adjective [て-form] + も + いい
な-Adjective [+ で] + も + いい
Noun + で + も + いい
This means you have permission to do something. It is okay to do it. You can do it.
もう疲れたでしょ。先に寝てもいいよ。
You must be tired. You can go to sleep first.
この薬は、食後に飲まなくてもいいです。
You don't have to take this medicine after a meal.
昨日のパーティーは、途中で帰ってもいいとのことだったので、少しだけ顔を出した。
Regarding yesterday's party, I was told it was okay to leave midway, so I just made a brief appearance.
プレゼントは手作りでもいいよ。その方が嬉しいかも。
A handmade present is fine. That might actually make me happier.
字は下手でもいいから、心を込めて書いてね。
It's okay if your handwriting is bad, just please write it with heart.
This phrase means 'it's okay to do this'. It can also mean something is acceptable. Maybe it's not the best choice. But it is still fine. Think of it like saying 'this will do' in English. It shows something is good enough.
This is different from "〜てもいい？" That form asks for permission. This form gives permission. It is like saying "You can do it." There is also a shorter form, "〜ていい." It means the same thing. But "〜てもいい" is a bit clearer.
Watch out: Do not mix up "〜てもいい" (you can do it) with "〜てもいい？" (Can I do it?). If you say "これを食べてもいい" to someone, it means "I can eat this." This sounds like you are telling yourself it is okay. If you want to ask for permission, you must say "これを食べてもいい？" This means "May I eat this?"
Contrasts with(5)
More formal alternatives(1)
Less formal alternatives(1)
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