Translation and Meaning of: 可能 - kanou

The Japanese word 可能[かのう] is an essential term for anyone learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its main meaning is related to the idea of "possibility" or "viability," and it is frequently used in both formal and everyday contexts. In this article, we will explore everything from the origin and writing of this word to its practical usage in sentences and real situations. If you're looking to understand how the Japanese express the notion of something being achievable, you're in the right place.

In addition to unraveling the meaning of 可能, we will discuss its application in different scenarios, such as conversations, academic texts, and even in animes. Suki Nihongo, known for being one of the best online Japanese dictionaries, provides this detailed analysis so that you not only memorize but also deeply understand how this word functions in the Japanese language.

Meaning and origin of 可能

The word 可能 is composed of two kanji: 可 (ka), which conveys the idea of "permission" or "acceptance," and 能 (nou), associated with "ability" or "capability." Together, they form a term that conveys the notion of something being possible or achievable. Unlike more informal words, 可能 has a slightly more formal tone, being common in documents, speeches, and situations that require politeness.

Its origin dates back to classical Chinese, where the characters were already used with similar meanings. When incorporated into Japanese, the word maintained this essence but gained nuances specific to the language. It is worth noting that, although 可能 is frequently translated as "possible," it is not interchangeable in all contexts with other expressions like できる or ありえる, which also carry meanings of possibility.

Everyday use and common phrases

In their daily lives, the Japanese use 可能 in situations that involve planning, negotiations, or when they need to express that something is feasible. For example, in a work environment, it is common to hear phrases like "その提案は可能ですか？" (Sono teian wa kanou desu ka?), which means "Is this proposal feasible?". The word also frequently appears in public notices, manuals, and instructions, reinforcing its practical nature.

One tip to memorize 可能 is to associate it with contexts where possibility is being evaluated objectively. Unlike more subjective expressions, this word is often used when there is a concrete analysis behind it. If you are studying Japanese, try creating flashcards with real examples, such as "この機械は修理が可能です" (Kono kikai wa shuuri ga kanou desu), which means "This machine can be repaired."

Curiosities and Cultural Aspects

Although 可能 may not be an exclusively technical word, it frequently appears in discussions about innovation and technology in Japan. Companies and researchers often use it to describe advancements and solutions that were once considered impossible. This usage reflects an important cultural trait: the appreciation of pragmatism and efficiency in Japanese society.

Another interesting point is that, unlike Portuguese, where "possible" can be used more broadly and even colloquially, 可能 maintains a certain degree of formality in Japanese. This does not mean it is rare in informal conversations, but its spontaneous use tends to be less frequent than alternatives like できる or かもしれない. For Japanese learners, understanding these nuances is essential to sound more natural when speaking.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• できる (dekiru) - to manage; to be able to
• ありうる ( ariuru) - it can happen; it's possible that it will happen
• あり得る ( arieru) - it may occur; there is a possibility of existence
• 可行 ( kourgou) - viable; in compliance with the rules
• 可能性 ( kanousei) - possibility; chance of something happening
• 可能である ( kanou de aru) - it's possible; it's feasible

可能

Romaji: kanou
Kana: かのう
Type: Noun, adjective
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: possible; feasible; viable

Meaning in English: possible;practicable;feasible

Definition: Possible: something that can be achieved.

Example Sentences - (可能) kanou

See below some example sentences:

過労は健康に悪影響を与える可能性がある。

Karō wa kenkō ni aku eikyō o ataeru kanōsei ga aru

Overworking can have a negative impact on health.

• 過労 - excessive fatigue
• は - Topic particle
• 健康 - health
• に - target particle
• 悪影響 - negative effect
• を - object particle
• 与える - cause
• 可能性 - possibility
• が - subject particle
• ある - exist

膨脹した経済は持続可能ではない。

Bōchō shita keizai wa jizoku kanō de wa nai

An inflated economy is not sustainable.

The expanded economy is not sustainable.

• 膨脹した - The word that means "expanded" or "swollen".
• 経済 - The word that means "economy."
• は - Grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 持続可能 - composite word that means "sustainable" or "long-term viable".
• ではない - expression that means "it's not".

細菌は病気を引き起こす可能性があります。

Saikin wa byouki wo hikiokosu kanousei ga arimasu

Bacteria can cause disease.

Bacteria can cause disease.

• 細菌 (saikin) - bacteria
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 病気 (byouki) - disease
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 引き起こす (hikiokosu) - cause, provoke
• 可能性 (kanousei) - possibility
• が (ga) - subject particle
• あります (arimasu) - exist, have

欠乏は健康に悪影響を与える可能性があります。

Kekkou wa kenkou ni aku eikyou wo ataeru kanousei ga arimasu

Lack can have a negative effect on health.

Laws can have a negative effect on your health.

• 欠乏 (Kekkaku) - lack, scarcity
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 健康 (kenkou) - health
• に (ni) - target particle
• 悪影響 (aku eikyou) - negative effect, negative impact
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 与える (ataeru) - Dar, fornecer
• 可能性 (kanousei) - possibility
• が (ga) - subject particle
• あります (arimasu) - exist, have

改善することは常に可能です。

Kaizen suru koto wa tsune ni kanō desu

It is always possible to improve.

It is always possible to improve.

• 改善すること - Improve
• は - Topic particle
• 常に - Always
• 可能 - Possible
• です - Verb "to be" in the present

兵器は戦争を引き起こす可能性がある。

Heiki wa sensou wo hikio kosu kanousei ga aru

Weapons have the potential to cause war.

• 兵器 - weapon
• は - Topic particle
• 戦争 - war
• を - direct object particle
• 引き起こす - cause
• 可能性 - possibility
• が - subject particle
• ある - exist

不潔な人は健康に悪影響を与える可能性があります。

Fuketsu na hito wa kenkō ni aku eikyō o ataeru kanōsei ga arimasu

The dirty person can have a negative impact on health.

Dirty people may have a negative effect on health.

• 不潔な人 (fuketsu na hito) - dirty person
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 健康 (kenkou) - health
• に (ni) - target particle
• 悪影響 (aku eikyou) - negative effect
• を (wo) - object particle
• 与える (ataeru) - cause
• 可能性 (kanousei) - possibility
• が (ga) - subject particle
• あります (arimasu) - exists

この木の枝は折れる可能性がある。

Kono ki no eda wa oreru kanōsei ga aru

This branch of the tree has the possibility of breaking.

The branches of this tree can break.

• この - demonstrative that indicates proximity, equivalent to "this" or "this"
• 木 - noun meaning "tree"
• の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "'s" in English
• 枝 - noun meaning "twig" or "branch"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "é" or "são" in English
• 折れる - verb meaning "to break" or "to break"
• 可能性 - noun meaning "possibility"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, equivalent to "o" or "a" in English
• ある - verb meaning "to exist" or "to have"

このガラスは割れる可能性がある。

Kono garasu wa wareru kanōsei ga aru

This glass window has the possibility of breaking.

This glass can break.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• ガラス - noun that means "glass"
• は - topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "this glass"
• 割れる - verb in the potential form that means "can break"
• 可能性 - noun meaning "possibility"
• が - subject particle that indicates that "the possibility of breaking" is the subject of the sentence
• ある - verb that means "exists"

この問題は重大な影響を与える可能性がある。

Kono mondai wa juudai na eikyou wo ataeru kanousei ga aru

This issue has the potential to have a significant impact.

This issue can have a significant impact.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
• は - topic particle that indicates that what follows is the subject of the sentence
• 重大な - adjective that means "serious" or "severe"
• 影響 - noun that means "influence" or "impact"
• を - object particle that indicates the target of the action
• 与える - verb meaning "to give" or "to grant"
• 可能性 - noun meaning "possibility"
• が - subject particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ある - verb meaning "to exist" or "to have"