可能性

• Reading: かのうせい
• Romaji: kanousei
• Kanji breakdown: 可 (ka) — can, possible; 能 (nō) — ability, skill; 性 (sei) — nature, tendency
• Pronunciation: /ka.noː.seː/

Meaning

Possibility; chance; likelihood; probability. The degree to which something may happen.

A noun describing how likely something is to occur. Often used with がある (there is) or が高い/低い (is high/low). A key word for discussing predictions, risks, and potential outcomes. The root 可能 means 'possible' and 性 adds the sense of 'nature' or 'tendency'.

Examples

1. 明日は雨が降る可能性が高いです。 There's a high chance of rain tomorrow.
2. 合格する可能性はまだあると思います。 I think there's still a chance of passing.
3. 地震が起きる可能性について話し合いました。 We discussed the possibility of an earthquake occurring.

Usage Guide

Context: weather, predictions, analysis

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Combines 可能 (possible, from 可 'can' + 能 'ability') with 性 (nature/tendency). A Sino-Japanese compound meaning the inherent potential for something to happen.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal