～ても構わない
It doesn't matter if, I don't mind
Structure
［い］Adjective［ても］+ かまわない
［な］Adjective + でも + かまわない
Noun + でも + かまわない
Explanation
The phrase ても構わない is a common way to give permission, or to state that you are okay with something. It essentially means 'I don't mind if...' or 'it's fine even if...'. This grammar point combines the ても form (for verbs and い-adjectives) or the でも form (for nouns and な-adjectives) with 構わない, the negative form of the verb 構う ('to mind', 'to be concerned about'). While a very literal translation might be 'I will not be concerned', its practical use is to show that a certain condition or action is acceptable.
ても構わない can attach to any word, provided the word is first conjugated into its appropriate ても or でも form.
- みんなで見るなら、映画でもアニメでも構わないよ。As long as we're all watching together, I don't mind if it's a movie or an anime.
- 読めれば、この本は古くても構いません。As long as I can read it, it's fine with me if this book is old.
- きれいなら、どんなに静かでも構いません。As long as it's clean, I don't care how quiet the place is.
- このクラスは、初心者でも構いません。For this class, it doesn't matter if you're a beginner.
Fun Fact
While 構う means 'to mind', the kanji 構 itself can mean 'to build' or 'to assume a stance' (like in martial arts). When used in ても構わない, you can think of it as not needing to 'put up a defense' or 'take a stance against' something. This highlights the nuance of accepting a situation without resistance.
Examples
このトイレ、使っても構いませんよ。
You know, it's fine if you use this restroom.
明日は忙しいから、部屋を掃除しなくても構わない。
I'll be busy tomorrow, so I don't mind if you don't clean the room.
デザインが気に入ったから、少し高くても構わない。
I like the design, so I don't mind if it's a little expensive.
その仕事、どんなに大変でも構いません。やらせてください。
It doesn't matter how difficult that job is. Please let me do it.
今は誰もいないので、入っても構いません。
There's no one here right now, so it's fine if you come in.
みんなに嫌われても構わない。自分の信じる道を進むだけだ。
I don't care if everyone hates me. I'm just going to follow the path I believe in.
お弁当は持ってこなくても構いません。こちらで用意しますので。
It's okay if you don't bring a packed lunch, as we will prepare one here.
経験があれば、プロじゃなくても構わない。
As long as you have experience, it doesn't matter if you're not a professional.
このケーキ、僕はもういらないから食べても構わないよ。
I don't need this cake anymore, so I don't mind if you eat it.
本の内容が良ければ、カバーが古くても構いません。
As long as the book's content is good, I don't mind if the cover is old.
今は分からなくても構わない。少しずつ覚えていこう。
It's okay if you don't understand right now. Let's just learn it little by little.
テストでは、間違えても構いません。とにかく最後まで書いてください。
On the test, it's okay even if you make mistakes. Just be sure to write until the very end.