Japanese word

可能

Pronunciation

Romajikanō

Meaning

  • na-adjectivepossible

Example

この計画は可能です。ko no kei kaku wa ka nō de su

This plan is possible.

Illustration for 可能 (possible)

More examples

空席があれば、当日の予約も可能です。kū seki ga a re ba tō jitsu no yo yaku mo ka nō de su

If there are seats available, same-day reservations are also possible.

Core concept

Shows that circumstances allow something to happen or be done rather than making it impossible.

Common phrases

  • 可能な限りka nō na kagi ri

    as much as possible

  • 可能かどうかka nō ka dō ka

    whether it is possible

  • 可能になるka nō ni na ru

    become possible

Definition in Japanese

条件が整い、ある事柄を実現または実行できること。jō ken ga totono i a ru koto gara o jitsu gen ma ta wa jik kō de ki ru ko to

Word origin

可能 (kanō, "possible") is a Sino-Japanese compound of 可 (ka, "permitted") and 能 (nō, "ability"), linking permission with the ability to act.

Usage tips

  • The formal expression 可能です (kanō desu) often appears in announcements and business speech, while できる (dekiru) is common in casual conversation.

Other meanings

  • feasiblena-adjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word