해도돼 (hae-do-dwae, haedodwae) · 해도돼요 (hae-do-dwae-yo, haedodwaeyo)
'해도돼' is an informal permission expression, while '해도돼요' is the polite form; use each appropriately depending on the social context.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Informal way to give permission to someone
When to use
Close friends, Family conversations, Giving permission to peers or juniors
The nuance
Used among close friends or younger/same-age people; appropriate when polite speech is not needed.
Polite way to give permission to someone
When to use
Talking with strangers, Giving permission to elders, Permission in formal situations
The nuance
Used in situations requiring polite speech, such as with strangers, elders, or formal settings.
너 이거 해도돼?
neo i-geo hae-do-dwae?, neo i geo hae do dwae?
Natural informal speech among close friends.
너 이거 해도돼요?
neo i-geo hae-do-dwae-yo?, neo i geo hae do dwae yo?
Using '너' with polite speech is awkward; informal form is correct here.
선생님, 이거 해도돼요?
seon-saeng-nim, i-geo hae-do-dwae-yo?, seon saeng nim, i geo hae do dwae yo?
Polite permission asking to an elder or teacher is natural.
선생님, 이거 해도돼?
seon-saeng-nim, i-geo hae-do-dwae?, seon saeng nim, i geo hae do dwae?
Informal speech to an elder is rude.
같이 영화 보러 가도 돼?
gat-i yeong-hwa bo-reo ga-do dwae?, gat i yeong hwa bo reo ga do dwae?
Natural informal permission expression among friends.
같이 영화 보러 가도 돼요?
gat-i yeong-hwa bo-reo ga-do dwae-yo?, gat i yeong hwa bo reo ga do dwae yo?
Appropriate polite permission expression in formal situations.
엄마, 이거 해도돼?
eom-ma, i-geo hae-do-dwae?, eom ma, i geo hae do dwae?
Informal speech among family members is natural.
엄마, 이거 해도돼요?
eom-ma, i-geo hae-do-dwae-yo?, eom ma, i geo hae do dwae yo?
Polite speech can also be used within family.
Which expression is correct when asking permission from a close friend?
What is the appropriate expression when asking permission from a stranger?
Is it correct to say '해도돼?' informally to an elder?
