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:

この問題は解決策がダブる可能性がある。

Kono mondai wa kaiketsusaku ga daburu kanōsei ga aru

This problem can be a solution.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 解決策 - compound noun meaning "solution"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ダブる - verb meaning "to duplicate" or "to repeat"
• 可能性 - noun meaning "possibility"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ある - Verb that means "to exist"

この病気は長引く可能性がある。

Kono byouki wa nagabiku kanousei ga aru

This disease can drag on for a long time.

This disease can be prolonged.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 病気 - noun meaning "disease"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 長引く - verb meaning "to linger" or "to drag on"
• 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"

ストレスは健康に悪影響を与える可能性があります。

Sutoresu wa kenkō ni aku eikyō o ataeru kanōsei ga arimasu

Stress can have a negative impact on health.

Stress can have a negative effect on your health.

• ストレス - Japanese word meaning "stress"
• は - Particle in Japanese that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "stress"
• 健康 - Word in Japanese that means "health"
• に - Particle in Japanese that indicates the relationship between "stress" and "health", in this case, "affects health"
• 悪影響 - Japanese word meaning "negative effect"
• を - particle in Japanese that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "negative effect"
• 与える - Japanese verb that means "to cause"
• 可能性 - Word in Japanese that means "possibility"
• が - particle in Japanese that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "possibility"
• あります - Verb in Japanese that means "to exist", in this case, "there is a possibility"
• . - period to indicate the end of the sentence

下水は環境に悪い影響を与える可能性があります。

Kasui wa kankyō ni warui eikyō o ataeru kanōsei ga arimasu

Sewage can have a bad effect on the environment.

• 下水 (gesui) - wastewater
• 環境 (kankyo) - environment
• 悪い (warui) - bad
• 影響 (eikyo) - influence, effect
• 与える (ataeru) - cause, give
• 可能性 (kanousei) - possibility
• あります (arimasu) - there is, there is

化繊は環境に悪影響を与える可能性がある。

Kasen wa kankyō ni aku eikyō o ataeru kanōsei ga aru

Synthetic fibers may have an adverse effect on the environment.

• 化繊 - abbreviation of "chemical fiber", refers to synthetic fabrics produced from chemical products.
• は - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "化繊".
• 環境 - environment, environment.
• に - location particle, indicates that the negative impact is "in" the environment.
• 悪影響 - negative effect, harmful impact.
• を - direct object particle, indicates that the object of the action is "可能性 of having a negative impact on the environment".
• 与える - to cause, to have an effect on.
• 可能性 - possibility, probability.
• が - subject particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "可能性がある".
• ある - to exist, to have.

増大する可能性があります。

Zoudai suru kanousei ga arimasu

There is a possibility of increase.

It can increase.

• 増大する - increase
• 可能性 - possibility
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• あります - verb "to be" in the present affirmative

宇宙は無限の可能性を秘めている。

Uchuu wa mugen no kanousei wo himete iru

The universe has endless possibilities.

• 宇宙 - Universe
• は - Topic particle
• 無限 - infinite
• の - Possessive particle
• 可能性 - possibility
• を - Direct object particle
• 秘めている - Hide, contain

意識が高い人は成功する可能性が高いです。

Ishiki ga takai hito wa seikou suru kanousei ga takai desu

Highly conscious people will probably be successful.

• 意識が高い人 - Conscious people
• は - Topic particle
• 成功する - Success
• 可能性が高い - High probability
• です - Sentence-ending particle

放射能は環境に悪影響を与える可能性があります。

Hōshanō wa kankyō ni aku eikyō o ataeru kanōsei ga arimasu

Radioactivity can have an adverse effect on the environment.

• 放射能 - Radiation
• は - Topic marking particle
• 環境 - environment
• に - Destination marking particle
• 悪影響 - negative effect
• を - object marker particle
• 与える - cause
• 可能性 - possibility
• が - subject marking particle
• あります - exists

日本の経済が没落する可能性がある。

Nihon no keizai ga bottsuroku suru kanousei ga aru

The Japanese economy may fall.

• 日本 - Country name
• の - Possession particle
• 経済 - economy
• が - subject particle
• 没落する - decline, collapse
• 可能性 - possibility
• が - subject particle
• ある - verb "to exist"