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Grammar JLPT Level N4 - Lesson 18

Structure of なくてもいい:

Verb［なくて］ + （も） + いい

Details about なくてもいい:

なくてもいい is simply the opposite of てもいい, and highlights that it is 'ok even if (A) is not done'. This usually comes across as being quite polite, and sounds like 'don't worry about doing (A)' in English.
なくてもいい is a combination of the auxiliary verb ない in its conjunction form, with てもいい.

ミカは悪(わる)くないから謝(あやま)らなくてもいいよ。
Mika, you are not in the wrong, so you don't have to apologize.
その手紙(てがみ)はもう届(とど)けなくてもいい。
It's okay if you don't deliver that letter anymore.

In order to make this phrase sound even more casual, the adverbial particle も may be omitted. This does not change the nuance at all, but will sound a bit more friendly (when used with people that you know well).

今日(きょう)は会社(かいしゃ)に来(こ)なくていいよ。
It is fine if you don't come to the office today.

なくてもいい

Usage Notes for なくてもいい:

Synonyms for なくてもいい:

てはいけない

Must not, May not

てはならない

Must not, Cannot, Should not

ことはない

There is no need to, Never happens

なくてはいけない

Must do, Have to do

Example of なくてもいい

忙(いそが)しいなら、行(い)かなくてもいいです。

If you are busy, you don't need to go.

掃除(そうじ)をしなくてもいいですか。

I don't have to clean?

その青(あお)いセーターを着(き)なくてもいいですよ。

You don't have to wear that blue sweater.

そんなに怒(おこ)らなくてもいい。

You don't have to be that angry.

これ以上(いじょう)飲(の)まなくてもいい。

You don't have to drink more than this.

Grammar same lesson

～て (Means and Manner)

By, With, On, By means of, ~ing with

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～てすみません

I'm sorry for

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～ている間(あいだ)に

While, During the time that ~

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～てもらう

To get someone to do, To have someone do

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～てくれる

To do something for someone (usually you)

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