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可能不
kě néng bù
What does "可能不" mean in English?
may not这件事可能不太容易。
This matter may not be easy.
How to use "可能不" correctly: definitions and examples in English?
informal
Expresses uncertainty or possibility that something will not happen or be the case.
他可能不来参加会议了。
He may not come to the meeting.
这个计划可能不太可行。
This plan may not be very feasible.
Used to indicate that there is a chance something will not occur or be true. Often used in negative constructions.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage in Questions
In questions, '可能不' often softens the tone, e.g., '你可能不想去？' (You might not want to go?)
Gold Rule
Positioning
Place '可能不' before the verb or adjective it modifies, e.g., '他可能不喜欢这个礼物' (He may not like this gift).
Word Origin
Combination of '可能' (possible) and '不' (not), forming a phrase expressing uncertainty or negation of possibility.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in spoken and written Chinese to express doubt or uncertainty about future events or states. Often appears in conditional or speculative contexts.
Word Breakdown
可能
possible/possibly
adverb不
not
adverb汉英词典