-아/어도 되다
a/eodo doeda
Grammar · 1 sense
May, be allowed to
Examples
사진을 찍어도 돼요?
May I take a picture?
여기 앉아도 돼요?
May I sit here?
창문을 열어도 돼요?
Do you mind if I open the window?
When you'd hear it
This pattern is common in everyday speech, from asking permission in shops, classrooms, and workplaces to checking with friends. The polite form -아/어도 돼요? is frequent in conversation; more formal situations may use -아/어도 됩니까?
What learners get wrong
Do not confuse it with -아/어도 되다's opposite, -으면 안 되다, meaning that an action is not allowed. Also note that 되어요 contracts to 돼요, not 되요.
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