don't have to do ~, don't need to do ~

Beginner

15-20 min

very common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Expresses that something is not necessary.

[Negative form ない] → なくてもいいです

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 need to hurry.

This means "not necessary", not "forbidden" (that's てはいけません).

～なければなりません

must do ~, have to do ~

～てもいいです

may do ~, it's okay to do ~

～てはいけません

must not do ~, not allowed to do ~

～なければなりません

must do ~, have to do ~

～ことができます

can do ~, be able to do ~

Reassure someone: 心配しなくてもいいですよ (You don't need to worry). 急がなくてもいいです (No need to hurry).

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 15

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