Grammar Info

N4 Lesson 6: 14/16

なくてもいいDon't have to

も can be dropped in casual speech

Structure

Verb［なくて］ + （も） + いい

Details

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About なくてもいい

なくてもいい is simply the opposite of てもいい, and highlights that it is 'ok even if (A) is not done'. This usually comes across as being quite polite, and sounds like 'don't worry about doing (A)' in English.

なくてもいい is a combination of the auxiliary verb ない in its conjunction form, with てもいい.

In order to make this phrase sound even more casual, the adverbial particle も may be omitted. This does not change the nuance at all, but will sound a bit more friendly (when used with people that you know well).

Antonyms

Related

Examples

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    忙(いそが)しいなら、行(い)かなくてもいいです。

    If you are busy, you do not have to go.

    掃除(そうじ)をしなくてもいいですか。

    It is alright even if I don't clean?

    その青(あお)いセーターを着(き)なくてもいいですよ。

    It is alright even if you do not wear that blue sweater.

    そんなに怒(おこ)らなくてもいい。

    You don't have to be that angry.

    これ以上(いじょう)飲(の)まなくてもいい。

    You don't have to drink more than this.

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