〜なくても いいです

Meaning

This grammar pattern indicates that you don't have to do something or that it's acceptable to not do it. It's formed by adding なくても いいです to the negative form of a verb. This pattern is commonly used as a negative response to the question 'Do I have to...?' (verb negative form + なければなりませんか).

Formation

Examples

1. 彼に 電話を かけなくても いいです。
   You don't have to call him.

2. A:わたしは あそこに 行かなくても いいですか。
   A: Do I have to go there?

3. B:来てください。みんな あなたを 待っています。
   B: Please come. Everyone is waiting for you.

Summary

• Use 動詞ない形 + なくても いいです to say something is optional or not required
• Commonly used to answer 'Do I have to...?' questions with 'You don't have to'
• Expresses permission or lack of necessity in a polite, natural way