可能

• Reading: かのう
• Romaji: kanou
• Kanji breakdown: 可 (ka) — possible, acceptable; 能 (nou) — ability, skill
• Pronunciation: /ka.noː/

Meaning

Possible; feasible; practicable. Describes something that can be done or achieved.

A na-adjective/noun commonly used in formal and written contexts. Takes な before nouns (可能な限り, as much as possible). Often appears in compound forms: 可能性 (kanousei, possibility/likelihood), 不可能 (fukanou, impossible). More formal than できる for expressing capability.

Examples

1. できるだけ早い対応が可能ですか。 Is it possible to respond as quickly as you can?
2. 可能な限り多くの情報を集めたい。 I want to gather as much information as possible.
3. その計画が実現する可能性は高い。 There's a high possibility that the plan will come to fruition.

Usage Guide

Context: business, requests, planning

Tone: professional

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound of 可 (ka, acceptable/possible) and 能 (nou, ability). 可 depicts a mouth speaking approval, while 能 originally depicted a bear, symbolising strength and capability.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal