InitialJ
N4expressionpermissionnegative

なくてもいい (nakute mo ii) - Don't have to

[Verb ない-form stem] + なくてもいいです

Quick answer

[Verb ない-form stem] + なくてもいいです means "Don't have to, not necessary". As a N4 grammar point, it is tested in the JLPT. Detailed examples and a usage explanation are on this page.

Meaning

Don't have to, not necessary

Explanation

なくてもいい expresses lack of obligation.

Examples

明日来なくてもいいです。
あしたこなくてもいいです。
You don't have to come tomorrow.
明—Bright日—Day来—Come
急がなくてもいいです。
いそがなくてもいいです。
You don't have to hurry.
急—Hurry

Practice this grammar

[Verb ない-form stem] + なくてもいいです

Which sentence correctly uses "なくてもいい (nakute mo ii) - Don't have to"?

Vocabulary from these examples

日DayN5明BrightN4来ComeN5急HurryN4急Steep来next ~

Last updated Jul 4, 2026