가능성
ganeungseong[ˈka̠(ː)nɯŋs͈ʌ̹ŋ]
The English phrase 'possibility' is translated into Korean as 가능성 (ganeungseong).
The noun 가능성 is used to describe both the abstract concept of possibility and the likelihood of a specific event occurring.
Meaning: a thing possible, that which may take place or come into being (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
ganeungseong
Did you know?
- The term 가능성 can be used to describe a person's 'potential' for growth or success, whereas English usually treats 'possibility' and 'potential' as distinct concepts.
- The character 性 in 가능성 also appears in words like 'gender' or 'sex', meaning it describes a natural 'quality' or 'nature' of something.
- Because 가능성 is a Sino-Korean word, it shares the same root characters as the Japanese word kanōsei, making the concept recognizable to speakers of both languages.
Examples in context
- 가능성이 있습니다.There is a possibility.
- 성공할 가능성이 높아요.seong-gong-hal ga-neung-seong-i nop-a-yo.There is a high possibility of success.
- 그럴 가능성은 전혀 없어요.geu-reol ga-neung-seong-eun jeon-hyeo eop-seo-yo.There is no possibility of that at all.
- 비가 올 가능성이 있어요.bi-ga ol ga-neung-seong-i it-seo-yo.There is a possibility that it will rain.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a new business project.
- 민지 Min-ji이 프로젝트의 가능성을 어떻게 봐요?i peu-ro-jek-teu-ui ga-neung-seong-eul eo-tteo-ke bwa-yo?How do you see the possibility of this project?
- 지훈 Ji-hun상당히 긍정적인 가능성이 보여요.sang-dang-hi geung-jeong-jeok-in ga-neung-seong-i bo-yeo-yo.I see a very positive possibility.
- 민지 Min-ji지훈 씨는 정말 낙관적이네요.ji-hun ssi-neun jeong-mal nak-gwan-jeok-i-ne-yo.Jihoon, you are very optimistic.
- 지훈 Ji-hun준비만 잘하면 될 거예요.jun-bi-man jal-ha-myeon doel geo-ye-yo.It will work if we just prepare well.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 가능성, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
