タグ: ask permission

Today’s expression also uses Te-form of verbs.

1. [Verb Clause] temo Ii desuka = [V-te] mo Ii desuka

“Ii” is an I-adjective that means “Good/Okay”. In respect of grammar, this is a construction that uses the conjunctive particle “-temo,” which connects phrases adversely. However, “-temo,” as an adverse conjunctive particle will be explained in the section 25 in comparison with a sequential conjunctive particle “-tara,”. At this time, rather than grammar things, focus on functionality of the construction of “1”. “[V-te] mo Ii desuka.” is an expression to ask someone’s permission when you want to do something. Take a look at the examples below;

2. Pasokon de Repooto o Kaitemo Ii desuka. (Is it okay to write a report with a personal computer?)

3. Kono Jisho o Tsukattemo Ii desuka. (Is it okay to use this dictionary?)

4. Koko ni Itemo Ii desuka. (Is it okay to be here?)

For those who don’t know Te-form of verbs;

Sentence 2’s “Kaite” is the Te-form of “Kaku/Kakimasu”. Nai-form is “Kakanai”. Since the vowel before “nai” of Nai-form is “a”, the verb “Kaku/Kakimasu” is of Group1. The letter before “masu” of Masu-form is “ki”. Applying;

 “i/chi/ri=>tte, bi/mi/ni=>nde, ki=>ite, gi=>ide, shi=>shite, and Itte is for Ikimasu”,

then you can get “Kaite” as the Te-form of “Kaku/Kakimasu”.

Sentence 3’s “Tsukatte” is the Te-form of “Tsukau/Tsukaimasu”. Nai-form is “Tsukawanai”. Since the vowel before “nai” of Nai-form is “a”, the verb “Tsukau/Tsukaimasu” is of Group1. The letter before “masu” of Masu-form is “i”. Applying;

 “i/chi/ri=>tte, bi/mi/ni=>nde, ki=>ite, gi=>ide, shi=>shite, and Itte is for Ikimasu”,

then you can get “Tsukatte” as the Te-form of “Tsukau/Tsukaimasu”.

Sentence 4’s “Ite” is the Te-form of “Iru/Imasu”. Nai-form is “Inai”. Since the vowel before “nai” of Nai-form is “i”, the verb “Iru/Imasu” is of Group2. Replace “masu” with “te” gives you Te-form of Group2 verbs. Then you can get “Ite” as the Te-form of “Iru/Imasu”.

This post was written with reference to the exercise A1 on Section 15 of “Minna no Nihongo (2^nd Edition)” published by “3A Corporation”