JPEDLAB iconJPEDLAB
Save history

Create an account and play

Explore first, then save your progress whenever you are ready. No email address is required.

Start free
Read as articleCards
1/8

You can leave the name field blank or fill it in. This expression means you do not have to do something.

››

Lesson notes · ≈ JLPT N4 · Beginner 2

〜なくてもいいです~nakute mo ii desu

do not have to

Use this form to say an action is optional; it does not forbid doing it.

How it works

  1. You can leave the name field blank or fill it in. This expression means you do not have to do something.

    You can leave the name field blank or fill it in. This expression means you do not have to do something.

  2. Replace the final 「ない」 in the ない form with 「なくてもいいです」. Do not simply add it after ない.

    Replace the final 「ない」 in the ない form with 「なくてもいいです」. Do not simply add it after ない.

  3. 「なければなりません」 means you must do something; 「なくてもいいです」 means you do not have to.

    「なければなりません」 means you must do something; 「なくてもいいです」 means you do not have to.

  4. The example allows you to leave your name unwritten; writing it is still allowed. To forbid writing it, say 「書いてはいけません」.

    The example allows you to leave your name unwritten; writing it is still allowed. To forbid writing it, say 「書いてはいけません」.

  5. The example says you do not have to go to school tomorrow. It does not mean the school is closed or that you never have to go again.

    The example says you do not have to go to school tomorrow. It does not mean the school is closed or that you never have to go again.

Example sentences

  • 名前なまえnamaeをo書かなくかかなくkakanakuてteもmoいいです。いいですiidesu

    You don't have to write your name.

  • 明日、あすasu学校がっこうgakkouにni行かなくいかなくikanakuてteもmoいいです。いいですiidesu

    You don't have to go to school tomorrow.

In a conversation

  • A
    すみません、すみませんこの表ひょうに全部ぜんぶ記入きにゅうしなければなりませんか。か

    A: Excuse me, do I have to fill out this entire form?

  • B
    いいえ、いいえ名前なまえと住所じゅうしょだけ書けかけばいいです。いいです他ほかの欄らんはわ書かなくかかなくてもいいですよ。よ

    B: No, you only need to write your name and address. You don't have to fill in the other sections.

  • A
    そうですか。か助かりました。たすかりました

    A: I see. That's a big help.

Check yourself

  1. Level 1 · Recognise

    Which sentence is correct?

  2. Level 1 · Recognise

    Listen and choose the meaning

  3. Level 2 · Build

    Put the words in order

    You don't need to copy this document.

  4. Level 3 · Use

    What goes in the blank?

    名前を いいです。

    You don't have to write your name.

More grammar in this theme

  • 〜と、〜condition and result
  • 〜と言いますreporting what someone said
  • 〜てはいけませんprohibited action
  • 〜なければなりませんmust do
  • 〜なくてもいいですdo not have to
  • 〜と思いますI think; give an opinion
Previous〜なければなりませんNext〜と思います

Keep practising

Test your Japanese vocabulary12 adaptive questions, freeCheck your pronunciationRead aloud and get a scorePractise verb forms10-question conjugation quizSee the whole courseGrammar, vocabulary and quizzes by theme
See the whole course
Beginner 2
Customs & Etiquette