Beginner Estimated read: 3 mins

-아/어도 되다

Used to ask for or give permission to do something. Literally translates to 'It is okay even if one does...'.

Summary

Equivalent

May / Allowed to

Also: -아/어도 괜찮다 (It is okay even if...)

Example

May I open the window?

창문을 열어도 돼요?

Grammar rules

  • Conjugate the verb stem the same way you would for informal present tense (-아/어요) but attach '-도 되다' instead of '-요'.
  • When asking for permission, the question form '-아/어도 돼요?' is used.

    여기에 앉아도 돼요? (May I sit here? - Is it okay if I sit here?)

Patterns

1

Verbs with 'ㅏ' or 'ㅗ'

Present · Verb Stem + 아도 되다

2

Verbs with other vowels

Present · Verb Stem + 어도 되다

3

하다 Verbs

Present · 해도 되다

Example sentences

Verbs with other vowels · Present · Verb Stem + 어도 되다

May I open the window?

창문을 열어도 돼요?

Verbs with other vowels · Present · Verb Stem + 어도 되다

Yes, you are allowed to take pictures.

네, 사진을 찍어도 됩니다.

하다 Verbs · Present · 해도 되다

May I try on these clothes?

이 옷을 입어봐도 돼요?

Conversation

A: May I park here?

여기에 주차해도 돼요?

B: Yes, you may park here.

네, 주차해도 돼요.

Practice

Fill in the blank

Select the correct form to express permission.

Going home.

Eating.