Translation guide
Expresses that something is possible to do, practical, or achievable. Japanese uses different expressions depending on whether you focus on possibility, practicality, or realizability.
Saying that something can be done or is within one's ability.
The most direct equivalent, meaning 'possible' or 'feasible'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese. Often appears as 可能である in formal writing.
この計画は十分可能だ。
This plan is quite feasible.
期限内に終わらせることは可能ですか。
Is it feasible to finish within the deadline?
Emphasizing that something is realistic and can be put into practice, not just theoretically possible.
Indicating that an option is not only possible but also reasonable or likely to succeed.
可能 (kanō) is more formal and often used in written or objective contexts. できる (dekiru) is the everyday potential form and is preferred in casual conversation. For personal abilities, できる is more natural.
彼は英語ができる。
He can speak English. (Not: 彼は英語が可能だ, which sounds unnatural)
While 可能 is a direct translation of 'feasible', it can sound stiff or overly formal in daily speech. Use できる or 現実的 for more natural expressions.
明日までに終わる？ (Natural)
Is it feasible to finish by tomorrow?
The potential form of する, meaning 'can do' or 'is doable'. Very common in everyday speech. Often more natural than 可能だ for personal abilities.
一人でできる？
Is it feasible to do it alone?
この仕事は明日までにできると思います。
I think this job is feasible by tomorrow.
Lit. 'not impossible', a softer way to say something is feasible, often implying difficulty but still possible.
実現は不可能ではないが、難しい。
It's not infeasible, but difficult.
Means 'realistic' or 'practical'. Often used when feasibility is about real-world constraints like time, money, or resources.
その提案は現実的ではない。
That proposal is not feasible.
もっと現実的な計画を立てよう。
Let's make a more feasible plan.
Literally 'executable' or 'implementable'. Used in business or technical contexts to mean a plan or method is workable.
この案は技術的に実行可能ですか。
Is this idea technically feasible?
Means 'realizable' or 'achievable'. Often used for goals, dreams, or projects.
その夢は実現可能だと思いますか。
Do you think that dream is feasible?
Means 'promising' or 'hopeful'. Used when an idea or plan seems feasible and has good prospects.
この事業は有望だ。
This venture is feasible (promising).
Business term meaning 'profitable' or 'economically viable'. Used when feasibility is about financial viability.
このプロジェクトは採算が合わない。
This project is not financially feasible.
Is it feasible to finish by tomorrow?
Is it feasible to finish by tomorrow?