Introduction

The grammar pattern te form + mo ii desu is a core JLPT N4 grammar used to ask for permission in Japanese. This structure appears very frequently in daily conversation, classroom language, offices, shops, and especially in JLPT N4 listening and reading sections. Learners often study this grammar at N5 level, but at N4 you must understand it clearly and quickly without translating each word.

This article explains the grammar step by step in simple English for Japanese learners. All Japanese examples are written only in hiragana and katakana, with no kanji.

Grammar Structure Explained

verb in te form + mo ii desu

This grammar is used when the speaker wants to ask if an action is allowed. The verb must always be changed into te form before adding mo ii desu.

Meaning in English

This pattern means "may I do something" or "is it okay if I do something". It is a polite and natural way to ask for permission.

When to Use This Grammar

You use te form + mo ii desu in the following situations. When you want to ask permission politely. When you are not sure if an action is allowed. When speaking to teachers, coworkers, shop staff, or strangers. When responding politely in daily situations.

This grammar is very common in real-life Japanese.

Examples

1. koko ni suwatte mo ii desu ka。 may I sit here.

2. shashin o totte mo ii desu ka。 may I take a photo.

3. ima kaette mo ii desu ka。 may I go home now.

4. kono pen o tsukatte mo ii desu ka。 may I use this pen.

5. denwa o shite mo ii desu ka。 may I make a phone call.

Answering This Question

When someone asks using te form + mo ii desu ka, common answers are.

Positive answers. Ee, ii desu。 Hai, daijoubu desu。

Negative answers. Sumimasen, chotto... Gomen nasai, dame desu。

Important Grammar Notes

The verb must always be in te form. Correct usage example: tabete mo ii desu Incorrect usage example: taberu mo ii desu

This grammar is polite and suitable for most daily situations. It is softer and more natural than direct commands.

Common Mistakes by Learners

Using dictionary form instead of te form. Forgetting to add ka when asking a question. Using this grammar when talking about your own permission without asking.

JLPT N4 Exam Point

In JLPT N4, te form + mo ii desu often appears in listening questions related to permission, rules, and daily situations. It also appears in reading passages such as notices, signs, emails, and short dialogues. Learners should clearly understand the meaning difference between te form + mo ii desu and te form + wa ikemasen.

Short Practice

Change the verb into te form and ask for permission. Example: nomu → nonde mo ii desu ka

Practice verbs. yomu hairu kaku benkyou suru

Summary

Te form + mo ii desu is an essential JLPT N4 grammar used to ask for permission politely. The verb must always be in te form. This grammar appears very frequently in listening and reading sections of the JLPT N4 exam. Mastering this pattern will help you understand rules, permissions, and polite requests in Japanese.

JLPT N4 Grammar te form mo ii desu Explained | Asking Permission in Japanese