JLPT N4 grammar

〜てもかまわないmeaning and usage

Meaning

  1. It doesn't matter if A is done
  2. Doesn't matter if A (isn't done); don't mind if A (isn't done)

How to form it

  • verb (te-form)もかまわない
  • い-adjective (-く form)てもかまわない
  • な-adjective (stem)/nounでもかまわない
  • verb (nai-form without ない)なくてもかまわない

How it is used

Same meaning as 「〜てもいい」, “I don't mind if”, but more formal; politely 「〜てもかまいません」. With 「〜なくてもかまわない」 it means it's fine not to.

Examples

  1. ステレオを掛けてもかまわないかい。

    Mind if I play the stereo?

  2. 答えはひらがなでもかまいません。

    You may write your answers in hiragana.

  3. 忙しかったら、明日は来なくてもかまわないよ。

    If you're busy, it's fine if you don't come tomorrow.