Verb + てもいい

JLPT Level: N5
Meanings

It's okay to do

You may do

It's alright to do

Usage

Verb in て-form + もいい

Polite question form: Verb in て-form + もいいですか

Past/conditional nuance: Verb in て-form + もいい can imply permission granted or allowedness in context

Explanation
This pattern is used to grant permission or to ask for permission to do something. It states that a particular action is allowed. Use the plain て-form + もいい for casual situations, and て-form + もいいですか to ask for permission politely. It is common in everyday situations like asking to borrow something, using facilities, or taking actions in someone’s presence. Remember this is about allowance (not obligation or prohibition); for prohibition you use 〜てはいけない instead.
今日は早く帰ってもいいですか。
きょうははやくかえってもいいですか。

Is it okay if I go home early today?

ここで写真を撮ってもいい?
ここでしゃしんをとってもいい?

May I take photos here?

この部屋でお菓子を食べてもいいよ。
このへやでおかしをたべてもいいよ。

You may eat snacks in this room.

友達の車を使ってもいいですか。
ともだちのくるまをつかってもいいですか。

Is it alright if I use my friend's car?

少しくらいゲームをしてもいい。
すこしくらいゲームをしてもいい。

It's okay to play games for a little while.