Japanese word

可能性

Pronunciation

Romajikanōsei

Meaning

  • nounpossibility

Example

明日は雨の可能性があります。asu wa ame no ka nō sei ga a ri ma su

There is a possibility of rain tomorrow.

Illustration for 可能性 (possibility)

More examples

先生に相談すれば、問題を解決できる可能性があります。sen sei ni sō dan su re ba mon dai o kai ketsu de ki ru ka nō sei ga a ri ma su

If you consult your teacher, there is a possibility that you can solve the problem.

Core concept

Describes a state in which something may happen or be true, without saying that it will happen or be true.

Common phrases

  • 可能性が高いka nō sei ga taka i

    highly likely

  • 可能性が低いka nō sei ga hiku i

    unlikely

  • 可能性があるka nō sei ga a ru

    possible

  • 可能性を考えるka nō sei o kanga e ru

    consider the possibility

Similar words

見込みmikomi: The likelihood that something will happen or succeed.

Definition in Japanese

ある事柄が実現したり起こったりする見込み。a ru koto gara ga jitsu gen shi ta ri o ko tta ri su ru mi ko mi

Word origin

可能性 (kanōsei, "possibility") is a Sino-Japanese compound of 可 (ka, "possible"), 能 (nō, "ability"), and 性 (sei, "quality"), meaning the quality of being possible.

Usage tips

  • English speakers often use "chance" for an opportunity as well as an uncertain event, while 可能性 (kanōsei) focuses on whether an event may occur.

Other meanings

  • chancenoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word