〜てもかまわない

Meaning

〜てもかまわない means it is okay to do something or doing it is no problem. It gives permission or shows that an action is acceptable.

Formation

Use the て form of a verb and add もかまわない. In polite speech, 〜てもかまいません is very common.

Usage

Use this pattern in instructions, classrooms, offices, and polite explanations when something is allowed. It can also be used to answer permission questions.

Nuance

Compared with 〜てもいい, 〜てもかまわない can sound a little more formal or controlled. It often appears in rules, notices, or polite spoken instructions.

Comparison

〜てはいけない means the action is not allowed. 〜てもかまわない means the action is allowed. 〜なくてもいい means you do not have to do something.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is using this pattern when you want to say something is required. 〜てもかまわない gives permission; it does not express obligation. For obligation, use 〜なければならない or a similar pattern.