可能
kěnéng
The English phrase 'probably' is translated into Chinese as 可能 (kěnéng).
可能 is used to express that something is likely to happen or be true. It can function as an adverb meaning 'probably' or as an adjective meaning 'possible'.
Which one should you use?
While 可能 can mean 'probably', it is more neutral and less certain than the English word if used without context, often leaning towards 'maybe' or 'it is possible'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that something will probably happen in the future, you can combine 可能 with 会 to form 可能会. Additionally, adding the particle 吧 to the end of 可能 creates 可能吧, which is a common way to say 'probably' or 'maybe' as a standalone response.
How do you pronounce it?
kěnéng
Did you know?
- The character 能 was originally a pictograph of a bear, which was seen as the embodiment of strength and 'ability' in ancient China.
- To express a 'strong probability' that borders on certainty, speakers often avoid 可能 and instead use 应该, which literally means 'should'.
- In Chinese, using 可能 alone to answer a question can sound more non-committal or evasive than saying 'probably' in English. It often functions as a polite way to avoid giving a definitive 'yes' or 'no'.
Examples in context
- 你懂吗？可能吧。Do you understand? Probably.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use 可能 as a standalone response.Tatoeba #10052393 by GlossaMatik, translation #11294141 by Aphima
- 湯姆可能想去游泳。Tom probably wanted to go swimming.This sentence shows how to use 可能 to express a probable desire.Tatoeba #6065358 by verdastelo9604, translation #2957730 by CK
- 做那个可能不安全。It probably won't be safe to do that.This sentence demonstrates using 可能 to express a lack of certainty about safety.Tatoeba #13880605 by jan_OkulaJu, translation #6247898 by CK
- 很可能明天会下雨。It is very likely to rain tomorrow.
- 或许他会迟到。Perhaps he will be late.
- 明天大概会有人来。Probably someone will come tomorrow.
- 也许这是一个好主意。Perhaps this is a good idea.
- 他可能会来参加聚会。He might come to the gathering.
- 50 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two colleagues are talking about their boss's arrival at the office.
- 梓涵 Zihan经理今天会来吗？jīnglǐ jīntiān huì lái ma?Will the manager come today?
- 伟 Wei他今天可能很忙。tā jīntiān kěnéng hěn máng.He is probably very busy today.
- 梓涵 Zihan那我们还要等吗？nà wǒmen hái yào děng ma?Then do we still need to wait?
- 伟 Wei可能不需要等他了。kěnéng bù xūyào děng tā le.We probably don't need to wait for him.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
