Translation and Meaning of: 可 - ka

The Japanese word 可[か] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting meanings and uses worth exploring. If you are studying Japanese or are just curious about this particle, understanding its context and application can enrich your knowledge of the language. In this article, we will dive into the meaning, origin, and how this word is used in everyday Japanese, as well as provide practical tips for memorization and relevant examples.

Meaning and use of 可[か]

The character 可, read as "ka" in its most common forms, has a meaning that varies according to context. In many cases, it expresses possibility or permission, as in words like 可能 (kanou - possible) or 許可 (kyoka - permission). However, when used alone, it can appear in formal or technical contexts, such as in documents indicating approval.

It is worth noting that 可 can also be found in older or literary constructions, showing how the Japanese language retains traces of its historical development. However, its everyday use is more frequent in combinations with other kanjis, forming terms that express ability or consent.

Origin and writing of the kanji 可

The kanji 可 has a Chinese origin, like most characters used in Japanese. It is composed of the radical 口 (kuchi - mouth) and the component 丂, which used to represent a sound of breathing or speech. This combination suggests an idea of "that which can be said" or "what is acceptable," reinforcing its meaning related to permission and possibility.

In modern writing, 可 maintains a simple structure, but it's important to pay attention to the stroke order to avoid mistakes. Starting with the top horizontal stroke, followed by the vertical on the left and finishing with the curve on the right helps to memorize its shape correctly.

How to memorize and use 可[か] in daily life

A helpful tip for remembering the meaning of 可 is to associate it with words you already know, such as 可能 (possible) or 不可 (fuka - impossible). Creating flashcards with practical examples can also help, especially if you include sentences like "これは可能ですか?" (Is this possible?).

In addition, paying attention to where this word appears, such as in public notices or forms, can solidify your understanding. Often, 可 appears in situations that require a positive or negative response, such as in tests and evaluations, where it indicates "approved" in contrast to 不可 (unapproved).

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

可能 (Kanō) - Possible
許可 (Kyoka) - Permission
可能性 (Kanousei) - possibility
可行性 (Kぎgousei) - Feasibility
可能的 (Kanōteki) - Possible (adjective)
可能性がある (Kanousei ga aru) - There is a possibility
可能性が高い (Kanousei ga takai) - High possibility
可能性が低い (Kanousei ga hikui) - Low possibility
可能性があること (Kanousei ga aru koto) - The existence of possibility
可能性があると思われる (Kanousei ga aru to omowareru) - It is considered that there is a possibility
可能性があると考えられる (Kanousei ga aru to kangaeraru) - It was thought that there is a possibility
可能性があるとされる (Kanousei ga aru to sareru) - It is considered that there is a possibility
可能性があるとされている (Kanousei ga aru to sarete iru) - It has been considered that there is a possibility
可能性があるとされた (Kanousei ga aru to sareta) - It was considered that there is a possibility
可能性があるとされていること (Kanousei ga aru to sarete iru koto) - The fact that there is a possibility
可能性があるとされているところ (Kanousei ga aru to sarete iru tokoro) - The region where there is considered to be a possibility
可能性があるとされている場所 (Kanousei ga aru to sarete iru basho) - The place where it is considered that there is a possibility
可能性があるとされている時期 (Kanousei ga aru to sarete iru jiki) - The time when it is considered that there is a possibility
可能性があるとされている期間 (Kanousei ga aru to sarete iru kikan) - The period in which it is considered that there is a possibility

Related words

不可

fuka

wrong; bad; improper; unjustifiable; inacceptable

不可欠

fukaketsu

indispensable; essential

許可

kyoka

permission; approval

可愛い

kawaii

beautiful; cute; adorable; charming; dear; darling; pet

可愛がる

kawaigaru

to love; to be affectionate

可哀想

kawaisou

poor; unfortunate; pathetic

可愛らしい

kawairashii

Adorable; sweet

可能

kanou

possible; feasible; viable

可成

kanari

considerably; just; quite

可決

kaketsu

approval; Adoption (for example, of a bill); approval (from a bill)

可

Romaji: ka
Kana: か
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: reasonable

Meaning in English: passable

Definition: The ability of a state or situation to change.

Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (可) ka

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (可) ka:

Example Sentences - (可) ka

See below some example sentences:

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

不可欠な要素があります。

Fukaketsu na yōso ga arimasu

There is an indispensable element.

There are essential elements.

不可欠 (fukaketsu) - indispensable
要素 (yōso) - element
が (ga) - subject particle
あります (arimasu) - yeah, there is

不可避の事実です。

Fukahin no jijitsu desu

It is an unavoidable fact.

不可避 - inevitable
の - Possession particle
事実 - fact, truth
です - Verb to be/estar in the present

兎は可愛い動物です。

Usagi wa kawaii doubutsu desu

Bunny is a cute animal.

兎 (usagi) - Rabbit
は (wa) - Topic particle
可愛い (kawaii) - cute, cute
動物 (doubutsu) - Animal
です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

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.

双子はとても可愛いです。

Futago wa totemo kawaii desu

The twins are very cute.

双子 (futago) - "twins" in Japanese
は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
とても (totemo) - adverb meaning "very"
可愛い (kawaii) - adjective meaning "cute" or "pretty"
です (desu) - Verb "to be" in polite form

可愛らしい花ですね。

Kawaīrashī hana desu ne

What a lovely flower.

It is a beautiful flower.

可愛らしい - Adjective meaning "adorable" or "cute"
花 - noun meaning "flower"
です - Verb "to be" in polite form
ね - ending particle that can indicate a rhetorical question or a confirmation

可愛い猫が好きです。

Kawaii neko ga suki desu

I like cute cats.