아/어/여도 되다 (may, allowed to)

Let’s break this down into pieces so it’s not just a bunch of sounds. This pattern is actually a combo of two things you might have seen before. First, we have -아/어/여도, which means "even if." Then, we have the verb 되다, which translates to "to work," "to be possible," or "to become." So, when you say 가도 돼요, you are literally saying, "Even if I go, it works/it’s okay." It sounds a bit formal when translated literally, but in practice, it’s the most natural way to say "You may go." Because it uses the "even if" logic, it carries a nuance of "it doesn't cause a problem if you do this." It’s like telling someone, "Hey, don't worry, doing this action won't break any rules."

1. 1Getting the conjugation right is key, but don't worry—it follows the same rules as the standard polite form (-아/어/해요).
2. 2First, find the verb stem by dropping the 다 from the dictionary form.
3. 3Look at the last vowel of that stem.
4. 4If the vowel is ㅏ or ㅗ, add -아도 되다. For example, 가다 (to go) becomes 가도 되다.
5. 5If the vowel is anything else (like ㅓ, ㅜ, ㅣ), add -어도 되다. For example, 먹다 (to eat) becomes 먹어도 되다.
6. 6If the verb ends in 하다, it always changes to 해도 되다. 공부하다 becomes 공부해도 되다.
7. 7Finally, conjugate 되다 to fit your situation. Usually, you'll use the polite 돼요 for most daily interactions.

You’ll find yourself using this grammar in almost every real-world scenario.

• Ordering food: If you want to change an ingredient, you can ask, "Is it okay if I don't add onions?" (양파 안 넣어도 돼요?).
• Asking directions: If you're lost and want to know if you can walk through a building, this is your go-to.
• Job interviews: You might ask, "May I sit here?" (여기 앉아도 돼요?) to show respect.
• Daily favors: Asking to borrow a pen or use someone’s phone charger.
• Giving permission: When someone asks you for something, you can simply reply, "Yes, you may" (네, 돼요 or 해도 돼요).

It’s basically the "Yes, you can" or "May I?" button for your brain. Using it makes you sound polite and considerate of others' space and rules.

While 아/어/여도 되다 is super versatile, it’s not a magic wand for everything.

• Strong Obligations: If something is a strict requirement (like "You MUST wear a seatbelt"), don't use this. Use -아/어/야 하다 instead. 되다 is about permission, not duty.
• Obvious Facts: You wouldn't really say "It's okay for the sun to rise." That just sounds weird.
• Strict Commands: If you are a boss giving a direct order to an employee, using 해도 돼요 might sound like you're giving them a choice they don't actually have. Use the -(으)세요 form for clear instructions.
• Negative Permission: If you want to say "You must NOT," this isn't the one. You’ll need the -면 안 되다 pattern for that. Think of 되다 as the green light and -면 안 되다 as the red light.

Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes (especially the spelling!).

• The Spelling Trap: A lot of people write 되요 instead of 돼요. Remember: 돼 is a contraction of 되어. Since the grammar is 되 + 어 + 요, it MUST be 돼요. Writing 되요 is a classic "oops" moment.
• Vowel Harmony: Don't forget that ㅜ takes -어도. So 주다 (to give) becomes 줘도 돼요, not 주아도 돼요.
• Mixing up permission and ability: Don't confuse this with -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 (can/ability). 가도 돼요 means "You have permission to go," while 갈 수 있어요 means "You are physically able to go." If you're at a concert and ask "Can I see?", using 수 있다 asks if your eyes work, but 도 되다 asks if the person in front will move!

You might hear people say -아/어/여도 괜찮다. What’s the difference?

• 되다 (To be permitted): This is the standard, slightly more "rule-based" permission. It’s safe for all situations.
• 괜찮다 (To be okay): This is a bit softer and more personal. It’s like saying "It doesn't bother me."

If you ask a teacher, use 되다. If you ask a friend if you can borrow their hoodie, 괜찮다 feels a bit more natural. Also, compare it to -면 되다 (You just have to...). While they look similar, -면 되다 is for giving a solution to a problem, while -아/어/여도 되다 is strictly about permission. Don't let the 되다 at the end fool you!