てもいい

It is alright/fine/okay even if, Can/may, ~ is also okay

JLPT N5
Pattern

Verb (て-form) + もいい / Noun + でもいい

How it works

てもいい says something is acceptable even if it happens: 少しおそくてもいい (it's fine even if it's a bit late). With a noun, でもいい means “~ is fine too”: 水でもいい (water is fine too).

Examples

  • 少し おそくても いいですよ。It's fine even if you're a little late.
  • ペンが なければ、えんぴつでも いいです。If you don't have a pen, a pencil is fine too.

Related grammar

Further reading

Bunpro N5 · Lesson 7

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