可能

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Character Breakdown

Usage of 可能 (kěnéng)

The word 可能 is a versatile adverb used to express possibility or likelihood that something might happen or be true. It often appears before verbs or verb phrases to indicate uncertainty or speculation.

Common Contexts

Collocations and Patterns

  • 可能 + + Verb: Indicates a probable future action.
  • 可能 + 已经 + Verb + : Suggests a completed action with uncertainty.
  • 可能 + 需要 + Noun/Verb: Expresses that something might be necessary.

Nuances

Using 可能 softens statements, making them less direct and more polite or cautious. It differs from certainty words like 一定 (definitely) or 肯定 (surely). Avoid confusing 可能 with (can/able), which expresses ability rather than possibility.

Summary

Remember, 可能 helps speakers express uncertainty or probability naturally in conversation, making statements less absolute and more tentative.

Example Sentences

It might rain tomorrow, so you should bring an umbrella.

He might have already arrived at the company.

You might have misunderstood what I meant.