可能性
かのうせい·kanousei
Meaning
possibility; potential; likelihood
Nuance & Usage
可能性 refers to the chance or potential for something to happen. 可能性がある (kanousei ga aru) means 'there is a possibility.' 可能性が高い/低い means the likelihood is high/low. 可能性を広げる means 'to expand possibilities.' It is used in both casual speculation and formal analysis. Unlike かもしれない (might), which is grammatical, 可能性 is a noun that can be quantified and discussed analytically.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 可能性 with 可能 (kanou — possible). 可能 is a na-adjective meaning 'possible' (実現可能な — feasible), while 可能性 is a noun meaning 'possibility.' Don't say 可能性だ to mean 'it's possible' — say 可能だ or 可能性がある. Also, be careful with the negative: 可能性がない means 'there is no possibility,' which is very strong and definitive.
Example Sentences (3)
明日は雨が降る可能性が高い。
あしたはあめがふるかのうせいがたかい。
There is a high possibility of rain tomorrow.
この技術は将来の可能性を大きく広げる。
このぎじゅつはしょうらいのかのうせいをおおきくひろげる。
This technology greatly expands future possibilities.
成功する可能性はゼロではない。
せいこうするかのうせいはぜろではない。
The possibility of success is not zero.
Quick Quiz
Quick Quiz
N24 questionsTest your knowledge of 可能性 with 4 different question types.
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