可能
kanō
The English word 'possible' is translated into Japanese as 可能 (kanō).
可能 means 'possible' in a general sense, describing something that is able to happen but is not certain. It is often used in technical, logical or formal contexts rather than in casual daily conversation.
Meaning: able but not certain to happen (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the characters 可 (can/able) and 能 (ability/talent).
Which one should you use?
Use 可能 for abstract possibility or feasibility.
How does it change in a sentence?
To turn the word into a question, add the particle か (ka) at the end.
How do you pronounce it?
kanō
Did you know?
- While 可能 describes logical possibility, Japanese speakers often use the phrase ありえない (arienai) to express that something is 'impossible' in a way that means 'unthinkable' or 'no way'.
- The character 可 is used in the common Japanese word 許可 (kyoka), which means 'permission'.
- The word 可能 is derived from a Middle Chinese compound meaning 'may, can' and 'able, ability'.
Examples in context
- 可能ですか？Is that possible?This sentence is useful for asking if something is possible using 可能.Tatoeba #8691483 by bunbuku, translation #1886902 by CK
- 両方とも可能です。Both are possible.This sentence is useful for stating that two things are possible using 可能.Tatoeba #10553465 by small_snow, translation #10553201 by carlosalberto
- 理論上は可能です。In theory, it's possible.This sentence is useful for expressing that something is possible in theory using 可能.Tatoeba #10796441 by small_snow, translation #9531933 by shekitten
- それは可能です。That is possible.
- できるだけ早く連絡してください。Please contact me as soon as possible.
- それはイケるかな？I wonder if that's possible.
- 46 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hiyori and Hiroto are discussing a meeting time.
- 陽葵 Himari明日の午後三時は可能ですか？Ashita no gogo san-ji wa kanō desu ka?Is tomorrow at 3 p.m. possible?
- 大翔 Hirotoすみません、その時間は無理です。Sumimasen, sono jikan wa muri desu.Sorry, that time is impossible.
- 陽葵 Himariでは、四時なら可能ですか？Dewa, yo-ji nara kanō desu ka?Then, is 4 o'clock possible?
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、大翔なら四時で大丈夫です。Hai, Hiroto nara yo-ji de daijōbu desu.Yes, for Hiroto, 4 o'clock is fine.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 可能, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
