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可能
kě néng
possible
明天可能会下雨。
It might rain tomorrow.
neutral
Likely to happen or be true; capable of being done.
这个计划可能成功。
This plan might succeed.
他可能迟到。
He may be late.
Used to express possibility or probability.
neutral
Capable of existing or happening; feasible.
这个任务对他来说可能很难。
This task might be difficult for him.
Often used in hypothetical or conditional contexts.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Positioning in Sentences
可能 typically precedes the verb it modifies. For example: '他可能会去' (He might go). It can also appear at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis: '可能明天会下雨' (It might rain tomorrow).
Gold Rule
Softening Statements
Use 可能 to make suggestions or requests sound less direct. For example: '你可能需要休息一下' (You might need to rest) sounds more polite than '你需要休息'.
Word Origin
From 可 (kě, 'can') + 能 (néng, 'ability'). Originally meant 'capable of' or 'able to'. The sense of 'likely' developed over time.
Usage Notes
可能 is a versatile word used in both spoken and written Chinese. It can function as an adjective (e.g., '可能的解决方案'), adverb (e.g., '他可能会来'), or auxiliary verb (e.g., '这可能吗？'). In modern usage, it often softens statements or questions.
Word Breakdown
可
can; able to
root能
ability; capability
root汉英词典