てもかまわない
🃏 Flashcard
てもかまわない
temo kamawanai
Tap to reveal usage
it doesn't matter if ~
N3
Tap to test your recall · +10 XP
📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level
N3
Intermediate · Expressing nuance & contrast
Reading
temo kamawanai
Post ID
50946
Patterns today
0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes
it doesn't matter if ~
📖 How to use it
Expresses that doing something or a situation occurring is acceptable or of no concern.
Attaches to
Attach to the て-form of a verb or adjective (and で for な-adjectives/nouns), followed by もかまわない. For nouns and な-adjectives, use でもかまわない.
This pattern means 'it doesn't matter if (something happens or is done)' or 'it's okay to do (something)'. It's a bit more formal and softer than てもいい, often used to give permission or reassure someone. For example, if a friend is worried about bothering you, you might say 電話してもかまわないよ (It's fine to call me). It can also be used in negative situations to say that even if something bad happens, it's not a problem. For instance, 遅れてもかまわない (It doesn't matter if you're late).
質問があれば、いつでもメールしてもかまいません。
Shitsumon ga areba, itsudemo meeru shite mo kamaimasen.
If you have questions, feel free to email me anytime.
時間がなくて、詳しく説明できなくてもかまわない。
Jikan ga nakute, kuwashiku setsumei dekinakute mo kamawanai.
It's okay if you can't explain in detail because you don't have time.
この服は小さくてもかまいませんか。
Kono fuku wa chiisakute mo kamaimasen ka.
Is it okay if this clothing is small?
Not てもいい
てもいい is more direct permission ('you may'), while てもかまわない focuses on 'doesn't matter' and is more polite/formal. In casual speech, てもいい is common, but てもかまわない sounds a bit stiff.
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Somewhat formal; used in polite conversation and writing, less common in casual speech.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
てもかまわない
📚 How to Master This Pattern
Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat てもかまわない three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.
Flip Before Reading
Always try to recall the usage before flipping the card. Struggle = learning. Every failed recall makes the next one stick harder.
Write Two Sentences
Compose two original sentences using てもかまわない. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.
Spaced Review
Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.
🔗 More JLPT N3 Patterns
← Previous
ても始まらない
even if you... it’s no use;
Next →
てもしょうがない
there's no point to~; it's no use to~
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern てもかまわない mean?
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It doesn't matter if ~
What JLPT level is てもかまわない?
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Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N3 — Intermediate · Expressing nuance & contrast. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use てもかまわない in a sentence?
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Attach てもかまわない (temo kamawanai) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.
Is てもかまわない formal or casual Japanese?
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てもかまわない is used in both casual and polite contexts. It appears frequently in everyday conversation, textbooks, and simple written materials.
How can I remember てもかまわない long-term?
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Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.