Want to ask for permission in Korean? The grammar pattern ‘~아/어도 되다’ is essential for expressing “Is it okay to…?” or “May I…?” in various situations. Whether you’re requesting permission, confirming if an action is allowed, or making polite inquiries, this structure is commonly used in daily conversations. In this guide, you’ll learn the meaning, usage, and common mistakes to avoid when using ‘~아/어도 되다’ in Korean.
Contents
1. Definition
‘~아/어도 되다’ is a Korean grammar pattern used to express permission or allowance for an action. It is similar to “Can I…?” or “Is it okay if…?” in English.
- Structure: [Verb stem] + 아/어도 되다
- Example: 여기에서 사진을 찍어도 돼요? (Can I take pictures here?)
This pattern is essential for polite conversations, making requests, and ensuring proper etiquette in Korean-speaking environments.
2. Form (Structure)
The grammar ‘~아/어도 되다’ is formed by attaching 아/어도 되다 to a verb stem. The choice between 아도 되다 and 어도 되다 depends on the verb stem’s final vowel.
| Structure | Rule | Example |
| Verb Stem + 아도 되다 | If the verb stem has ㅏ or ㅗ as its final vowel | 가다 → 가도 되다 (You may go.) |
| Verb Stem + 어도 되다 | If the verb stem has any other vowel (except ㅏ, ㅗ) or ‘ㄹ’ | 먹다 → 먹어도 되다 (You may eat.) 놀다 → 놀아도 되다 (You may play) |
| Verb Stem + 해도 되다 | If the verb is a 하다 verb | 공부하다 → 공부해도 되다 (You may study.) |
Negative Form
To express “You must not…” or “It’s not allowed…”, you can use ‘~(으)면 안 되다’ instead.
- 여기에서 사진을 찍으면 안 돼요. (You must not take pictures here.)
This structure is essential for asking permission, making polite requests, and confirming whether an action is acceptable in Korean conversations.
2. Meaning & Usage
The Korean expression ‘~아/어도 되다’ is used to indicate that something is allowed or permitted. It can be translated as “may,” “can,” or “it’s okay to…” in English. This structure is used when asking for or granting permission, suggesting that an action is permissible under certain conditions.
- Structure: Verb Stem + ‘아/어도 되다’
Usage:
- Permission or Allowance: It is used to express that something is allowed or permissible.
- Asking for Permission: When you want to ask if something is acceptable or allowed, this structure is used in a question form.
- Instructing or Giving Permission: It is often used to give permission or let someone know that they are allowed to do something.
Examples:
- 가다 → 가도 되다
Example: 지금 가도 되나요? (Is it okay to go now?) - 먹다 → 먹어도 되다
Example: 이거 먹어도 돼요? (Can I eat this?) - 살다 → 살아도 되다
Example: 여기서 살아도 되나요? (Is it okay to live here?) - 공부하다 → 공부해도 되다
Example: 이 시간에 공부해도 되나요? (Is it okay to study at this time?)
This grammar structure is useful for both casual and polite settings, and it’s common in everyday conversations when seeking or giving permission.
3. Practical Examples
Asking for Permission
- 여기에서 앉아도 돼요? (Can I sit here?)
- 이 음료수를 마셔도 돼요? (Can I drink this beverage?)
- 친구를 집에 데려와도 돼요? (Can I bring my friend home?)
- 창문을 열어도 돼요? (Can I open the window?)
- 저녁에 일찍 자도 돼요? (Can I go to bed early in the evening?)
- 그 영화 볼 수 있어요? (Can I watch that movie?)
- 이 책을 빌려도 돼요? (Can I borrow this book?)
- 편해도 돼요? (Is it okay to be comfortable?)
- 차가워도 돼요? (Is it okay to be cold?)
- 조용해도 돼요? (Is it okay to be quiet?)
- 더러워도 돼요? (Is it okay to be dirty?)
- 어려워도 돼요? (Is it okay to be difficult?)
Giving Permission
- 네, 여기 앉아도 돼요. (Yes, you can sit here.)
- 이 음료수 마셔도 돼요. (You can drink this beverage.)
- 네, 친구를 집에 데려와도 돼요. (Yes, you can bring your friend home.)
- 창문을 열어도 돼요. (You can open the window.)
- 저녁에 일찍 자도 돼요. (You can sleep early in the evening.)
- 이 영화를 봐도 돼요. (You may watch this movie.)
- 이 책을 빌려도 돼요. (You may borrow this book.)
4. Key Grammar Points
| Form | How to Use | Examples | Meaning |
| Verb + ~아/어도 되다 | Attach ~아/어도 되다 after the verb stem (depends on the vowel) | 가다 → 가도 되다 (You can go) | To ask or give permission |
| Adjective + ~아/어도 되다 | Attach ~아/어도 되다 after the adjective stem (depends on the vowel) | 예쁘다 → 예뻐도 되다 (You can be pretty) | To ask or give permission for a state |
5. Practice Exercises
Fill-in-the-Blank:
- 저녁에 집에 ______ 돼요? (가다)
- 여기에서 음식을 ______ 돼요? (먹다)
- 친구에게 전화를 ______ 돼요? (하다)
- 사진을 ______ 돼요? (찍다)
- 이 가방을 ______ 돼요? (들다)
- 주말에는 늦게 ______ 돼요. (일어나다)
- 도서관에서 책을 ______ 돼요? (읽다)
- 여기에 이름을 ______ 돼요. (쓰다)
- 강아지를 산책에 ______ 돼요? (데려가다)
- 여행할 때 짐을 많이 ______ 돼요. (싸다)
6. Answers
- 싸도
- 가도
- 먹어도
- 해도
- 찍어도
- 들어도
- 일어나도
- 읽어도
- 써도
- 데려가도