Japanese grammar
What does ～てもかまわない mean? Japanese grammar N4
～てもかまわない means it's fine to ~, it doesn't matter if ~.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N4 |
|---|---|
| Structure | V て + もかまわない いAdj くて + もかまわない なAdj／N で + もかまわない |
| Romaji | ~ te mo kamawanai |
| Meaning | it's fine to ~, it doesn't matter if ~ |
Forming it
| Verb | 帰る → 帰って → 帰ってもかまわない |
|---|---|
| Polite | ～てもかまいません |
| i-adjective | 高い → 高くて → 高くてもかまわない |
| na-adjective / Noun | 不便 → 不便で → 不便でもかまわない |
How to use it
Giving permission, or expressing that you don't mind about something.
- かまう originally means "to mind, to care about." かまわない = "I don't mind." So the whole sentence means "it's fine even if it's done that way, as far as I'm concerned."
- Compared to ～てもいい: ～てもいい is positive permission ("sure, go ahead"); ～てもかまわない is more neutral, a bit indifferent — "I don't object." Because of this nuance, when GIVING PERMISSION to a superior, it should be avoided — it sounds like you're bestowing a favor in an indifferent way.
- A very natural use: when you accept a condition that isn't ideal. 少し高くてもかまいません(it's fine even if it's a bit expensive) — the speaker accepts a small disadvantage to themselves.
- Context: giving permission to a subordinate/peer, or stating one's own condition when shopping, making a choice.
Examples
仕事が終わったら、帰ってもかまいません。
If your work is done, you may go home.
部屋は狭くてもかまいません。駅に近い方がいいです。
I do not mind if the room is small. I would rather it be near the station.
答えは日本語じゃなくてもかまいません。
It does not matter if your answer is not in Japanese.
Keep in mind
- The negative form ～なくてもかまわない = "it's fine even if you don't do it" — synonymous with ～なくてもいい but gentler.
- See also N4-094 ～ても構わない — the same pattern, written with kanji, emphasizing usage when stating your own condition.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong社長、こちらにお座りになってもかまいません。
Boss, please have a seat here.
Correct社長、どうぞこちらにお掛けください。
Giving permission to a superior with ～てもかまわない sounds like an indifferent favor. With a superior, you must INVITE them, using お～ください.
-
Wrong部屋は狭いでもかまいません。
It's fine even if the room is small.
Correct部屋は狭くてもかまいません。
The i-adjective must change to the て form (狭くて) before も, not used directly as 狭い + でも.
Exam tips
- ～てもかまいません ≈ ～てもいいです in meaning of permission, differing in a more enthusiastic vs. indifferent nuance.