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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "possible" with 可能 (kěnéng)

    Condition
    Permission & Ability

    Structure

    有 + 可能 / 可能 + Verb

    Explanation

    可能 (kěnéng) means "possible" or "possibly" and can function as an adjective, adverb, or noun depending on the sentence. As an adjective, it often appears after 有 to form 有可能 (it is possible). As an adverb, it is placed before a verb to indicate something might happen.

    Examples

    • 他可能已经到家了，你打电话问问吧。

      tā kěnéng yǐjīng dào jiā le, nǐ dǎ diànhuà wènwen ba.

      He may have already arrived home; give him a call and ask.

    • 这个方案可能需要更多时间来完成。

      zhège fāng'àn kěnéng xūyào gèng duō shíjiān lái wánchéng.

      This plan may need more time to complete.

    • 明天可能会下雪，记得穿厚一点。

      míngtiān kěnéng huì xiàxuě, jìde chuān hòu yīdiǎn.

      It might snow tomorrow; remember to dress warmly.

    Similar Grammar

    Expressing "possible" with 可能 (kěnéng) | Chinese Grammar