don't have to ~, it's okay not to ~

Beginner

10-15 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Expresses that something is not necessary.

[Verb ない-form without い] + くてもいいです

明日来なくてもいいです。

Ashita konakute mo ii desu.

You don't have to come tomorrow.

急がなくてもいいですよ。

Isoganakute mo ii desu yo.

You don't have to hurry.

Different from prohibition - this is about lack of obligation.

～なければなりません

must ~, have to ~

です/だ

to be (copula)

は (wa)

topic marker

が (ga)

subject marker

を (wo)

direct object marker

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 10

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