JLPT N4 Grammar
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don't have to
Category: Commands & Obligations
The grammar pattern ～なくてもいい is used to express that something is not necessary or that there is no obligation. It is often used in situations where the listener is not expected to do something, or where the speaker is giving permission. For example, if someone asks you to go to the store, you can respond with ～なくてもいい to indicate that it's not necessary. This pattern is often used in polite or formal situations, and it can also be used to soften the tone of a command or request.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Negative (nai) form of a verb | Verb stem + なくてもいい | 食べない + なくてもいい = 食べなくてもいい |
| Remove the final 'i' from the negative form | Verb stem + なくてもいい | 食べなく + なくてもいい = 食べなくてもいい |
| Add the suffix 'kutemo ii' to the verb stem | Verb stem + なくてもいい | 食べなく + なくてもいい = 食べなくてもいい |
今日は日曜日ですから、学校へなくてもいい。
Kyō wa nichiyōbi desu kara, gakkō e nakutemo ii.
You don't have to go to school today since it's Sunday.
今日は日曜日ですから、学校へなくてもいい。 (kyō wa nichiyōbi desu kara, gakkō e nakutemo ii.) - Today is Sunday, so you don't have to go to school.
このお菓子はもう甘いですから、砂糖をなくてもいい。
Kono okashi wa mō amai desu kara, satsuma o nakutemo ii.
This candy is already sweet, so you don't have to add sugar.
このお菓子はもう甘いですから、砂糖をなくてもいい。 (kono okashi wa mō amai desu kara, satsuma o nakutemo ii.) - This candy is already sweet, so you don't have to add sugar.
このテストは名前をなくてもいい。
Kono tesuto wa namae o nakutemo ii.
You don't have to write your name on this test.
このテストは名前をなくてもいい。 (kono tesuto wa namae o nakutemo ii.) - You don't have to write your name on this test.
～なくてもいい is used to express that something is not necessary or that there is no obligation. It is often used in polite or formal situations, and it can also be used to soften the tone of a command or request. This pattern is similar to ～なければならない, but it has a more polite tone.
The correct particle to use is ～なくてもいい, not ～なくてもはいい.
The correct form is ～なくてもいい, not ～なくてもいい.
～なくてもいい is used to express that something is not necessary, while ～なければならない is used to express that something is necessary.
When using ～なくてもいい in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct form and particle. Also, be aware of the nuances of the pattern and use it correctly in context.
今日は日曜日ですから、学校へ______。
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