可能

• Pinyin: kě néng
• Hanzi breakdown: 可 = 口 (mouth) + 丂 (crooked), meaning 'may/can'; 能 = originally a pictograph of a bear, meaning 'ability/capable'

Meaning

Possible; maybe; probably. Expresses possibility or likelihood that something will happen.

One of the most frequently used words for expressing uncertainty in Chinese. As an adverb it means 'maybe/probably,' as an adjective it means 'possible,' and as a noun it means 'possibility.' Softer and more neutral than 也许, and much more common in everyday speech.

Examples

1. 明天可能会下雨。 It might rain tomorrow.
2. 他可能不来了。 He probably won't come.
3. 这件事可能需要更多时间。 This matter might need more time.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, speculation, planning

Tone: tentative

Do Say

• 他可能还在路上。(He's probably still on the way.)
• 这个周末可能有空。(I might be free this weekend.)

Don't Say

• 可能一定会下雨。(Don't combine 可能 with 一定 — they contradict each other. Use one or the other: 可能会下雨 or 一定会下雨.)

Origin & History

Compound of 可 (can/may) + 能 (able/capable). Together they express the dual sense of permission and ability, yielding 'possible.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal