〜なくてもいい Do not have to / It is okay not to
Core meaning - Do not have to / It is okay not to
Form - V(ない) → V(なくてもいい)
Usage - Focus on the highlighted segment in each example; surrounding words can change while the pattern function stays the same.
Use this pattern for its grammatical function, not as a literal word-by-word translation.
See examples below for varied real-world usage.
Formation: ない → なくてもいい
- 行かない → 行かなくてもいい
- 食べない → 食べなくてもいい
なくてもいい vs なくていい
- Both acceptable, なくてもいい more standard
Opposite of なければならない
- 行かなければならない (must go)
- 行かなくてもいい (do not have to go)
Find real examples
Discover this pattern in manga, dramas & more
Save for spaced repetition
Add sentences to your study deck
Practice 〜なくてもいい and other grammar patterns with manga, dramas, and more.
Start learning free