〜なくてもいい

Formationない stem + なくても + いい

This gives permission not to do something, which is the useful opposite of an obligation. It is built exactly like てもいい with the negative stem in front. Reach for it to take pressure off someone rather than to grant them a choice.

Examples

〜なくてもいい is marked in each sentence. Tap any word for its dictionary entry.

1. 急いそがなくてもいいよ。

   You can take your time.

2. 焦あせらなくてもいいですよ。

   You don't have to hurry.

3. 売り上げうりあげを伸のばそうと焦あせらなくてもいい。

   Don't worry about making lots of sales.

4. 彼かれは車くるまの代金だいきんを翌月よくげつまで払はらわなくてもよいように取り決めとりきめた。

   He bargained that he should not have to pay for the car till the next month.

5. 慌あわてて着替きがえなくてもいいよ。急いそいでいるわけじゃないから。

   You don't have to dress in a mad rush; we've got time.