可能 (kěnéng)

可能 expresses possibility or probability, functioning as an adjective (possible), adverb (maybe, possibly), or noun (possibility).

Meanings

[adjective] possible, likely, or probable
[adverb] maybe, possibly, or perhaps
[noun] possibility or chance

Example Sentences

明天可能会下雨，你最好带伞。 Míngtiān kěnéng huì xià yǔ, nǐ zuì hǎo dài sǎn. It might rain tomorrow; you had better bring an umbrella.

这件事很有可能是真的。 Zhè jiàn shì hěn yǒu kěnéng shì zhēn de. This matter is very likely to be true.

我们应该考虑所有的可能性。 Wǒmen yīnggāi kǎolǜ suǒyǒu de kěnéngxìng. We should consider all possibilities.

他可能不知道这件事情。 Tā kěnéng bù zhīdào zhè jiàn shìqing. He probably doesn't know about this matter.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
有可能	it is possible
不可能	impossible
尽可能	as much as possible
可能性	possibility

Usage Notes

可能 is one of the most versatile words at B1 level. As an adverb, it expresses uncertainty like "maybe." As an adjective, it means "possible" (这是可能的, this is possible). As a noun, it means "possibility" (有可能, there is a possibility). The antonym 不可能 means "impossible." 尽可能 is a fixed phrase meaning "as much as possible."

Memory Hook

可 means "can or permissible" and 能 means "ability," so 可能 is "can be able to," meaning something is within the realm of possibility.