What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the te-form of the verb kariru (to borrow) followed by mo ii, which means "is it okay even if I borrow".
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on the level of politeness and the relationship between the speakers. Use the informal 借りてもいい？ or 借りていい？ for casual situations, and use the formal versions for more professional or respectful settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 借りてもいい？ is informal and should be used with friends, family or people of equal or lower social status. For a polite version suitable for use with strangers, teachers or superiors, you can add desu ka to the end to make it 借りてもいいですか？ Other formal options include 借りることはできますか and the even more polite お借りできますか.
How does it change in a sentence?
The base verb used in this phrase is kariru, which is a ru-verb (Group 2).
How do you pronounce it?
karitemo ii?
Did you know?
- While 借りる means 'to borrow', Japanese speakers often use the word 貸す ('to lend') to ask for something, as in 貸してくれますか ('will you lend it to me'). This shifts the focus from the borrower's action to the lender's generosity.
- If you borrow something and return it with a small treat or a thank-you gift, it is called お礼 ('orei'). This custom ensures that the act of borrowing does not create a social burden or a feeling of debt.
- Japanese has a distinct word, 借り物 ('karimono'), specifically for 'a borrowed thing'. It is often used in a traditional party game called karimono kyousou, which is a scavenger hunt where guests must find and borrow specific items from other people.
Examples in context
- 辞書借りてもいい？Can I borrow your dictionary?This example shows how to ask to borrow a dictionary using 借りてもいい？Tatoeba #3559216 by tommy_san, translation #3328535 by CK
- ペン借りてもいい？Can I borrow your pen?This example shows how to ask to borrow a pen using 借りてもいい？Tatoeba #4804654 by tommy_san, translation #33772 by CK
- 30ドル借りてもいい？Can I borrow $30?This example shows how to ask to borrow 30 dollars using 借りてもいい？Tatoeba #3367977 by tommy_san, translation #2549399 by CK
- すみません、この本を借りることはできますか？Excuse me, can I borrow this book?
- お借りできますか？May I borrow it?
- あのCD借りてもいい？Can I borrow that CD?
- 明日、財布借りていい？Can I borrow your wallet tomorrow?
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are studying together at a cafe.
- 陽太 Yota消しゴム借りてもいい？keshigomu karitemo ii?Can I borrow your eraser?
- 結衣 Yuiうん、いいよ。un, ii yo.Yeah, sure.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう、助かる。arigatou, tasukaru.Thanks, you're a lifesaver.
- 結衣 Yuiどういたしまして。dou itashimashite.You're welcome.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
