사진을 찍어도 돼요?
May I take a picture?
여기 앉아도 돼요?
May I sit here?
펜을 써도 돼요?
May I use that pen?
Grammar Focus:
A/V-아/어도 되다 expresses permission or approval for a behavior. It corresponds to ‘may’ or ‘be allowed to, in English. If the stem ends in the vowel ㅏ or ㅗ, then -아도 되다 is used, and for all other vowel endings, -어도 되다 is used. As for verbs ending in 하다, the form changes to 해도 되다. In place of -아/어도 되다, -아/어도 괜찮다 and -아/어도 좋다 can also be used.
Conversation:
A: 밤에 전화해도 돼요? May I call you at night?
B: 물론이에요. 전화하세요. Sure. Please call anytime.
A: 창문을 열어도 돼요? Do you mind if I open the window?
B: 그럼요, 열어도 돼요. Not at all. You may open it.
A: 라디오를 켜도 돼요? May I turn on the radio?
B: 아이가 자고 있어요. 켜지 마세요.
The child is asleep. Please don’t turn it on.
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