可能 (kěnéng)

可能 works both as an adjective meaning possible and as an adverb meaning maybe or possibly. When used as an adjective it follows 是 or describes a noun. When used as an adverb it precedes a verb or verb phrase to express uncertainty.

Meanings

[adjective] Possible; that can happen.
[adverb] Maybe; possibly; perhaps.
[noun] Possibility; chance.

Example Sentences

他可能今天不来了。 Tā kěnéng jīntiān bù lái le. He possibly will not come today.

这是不可能的事情。 Zhè shì bù kěnéng de shìqing. This is an impossible thing.

你有没有可能帮我？ Nǐ yǒu méiyǒu kěnéng bāng wǒ? Is there any possibility you could help me?

他可能已经到了。 Tā kěnéng yǐjīng dào le. He may have already arrived.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
不可能	impossible
有可能	there is a possibility
很可能	very likely
可能性	possibility (as a noun)
尽可能	as much as possible

Memory Hook

可 means "can/may" and 能 means "able." Something that is 可能 is both permissible and able to happen, making it possible. Drop it before a verb and it expresses that the action may or may not occur.