GRAMMAR DETAIL
てもかまわない
Indicates that performing an action or making a choice is acceptable and will not cause a problem.
Examples
会議の資料は鉛筆で書き込んでもかまわない。
You may write on the meeting materials in pencil.
Words used
ここに荷物を置いてもかまいません。
You may leave your luggage here.
Words used
分からなければ辞書を使ってもかまいません。
If you do not understand, you may use a dictionary.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: A verb's
てform takesもかまわないto express that the action causes no objection or difficulty. - Basic usage:
ここに荷物を置いてもかまいません。permits leaving luggage here.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Permission and encouragement
使ってもかまわないmeans that using it is acceptable, not that its use is actively encouraged. Distinguish it from a request to act, such as使ってください.
- Permitting an action not to occur
使わなくてもかまわないpermits not using it. The negative form ofかまわないdoes not itself prohibit the preceding action.