なくてもいい (Don't have to)

Don't have to

JLPT N4

Pattern

Verb (ない-form → なくて) + もいい

How it works

なくてもいい means “don't have to / it's fine not to”. It is the opposite of なければならない: あしたは来なくてもいいです.

Examples

あしたは来なくてもいいですよ。You don't have to come tomorrow.
くつをぬがなくてもいいです。You don't need to take your shoes off.

Further reading

Bunpro N4 · Lesson 6

Put your practice together

Work through a complete paper at your own pace or choose a timed mock exam. No account is needed to begin.

Choose a practice session