Translation guide
The English word "possible" can be expressed in Japanese through adjectives, adverbs, verbs, and sentence patterns. The most common and versatile equivalent is 可能 (kanō), but natural Japanese often uses the potential form of verbs or conditional expressions instead of a direct translation.
Expressing that an action or state is achievable or can happen.
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'possible'. Used in formal and written contexts, often with です/だ or as 可能な + noun. Very common in compound words like 使用可能 (usable).
それは可能ですか？
Is that possible?
可能な限り早く来てください。
Please come as soon as possible.
A grammatical pattern meaning 'can do ~'. Attach to the dictionary form of a verb. More formal than the potential form, but very clear and widely used.
彼は日本語を話すことができる。
He can speak Japanese.
ここで写真を撮ることができますか？
Is it possible to take photos here?
Japanese verbs have a potential form (e.g., 話す → 話せる, 食べる → 食べられる) that directly means 'can do'. This is the most natural and common way to express ability or possibility in casual and everyday speech.
彼は日本語が話せる。
He can speak Japanese.
明日来られますか？
Can you come tomorrow?
A verb meaning 'to be possible' or 'conceivable'. Often used for theoretical or hypothetical possibilities. More literary or formal than 可能.
Expressing the idea of doing something to the greatest extent or under certain conditions.
Means 'as much as possible' or 'as ... as one can'. Very common and natural in both speech and writing.
できるだけ早く来てください。
Please come as soon as possible.
できるだけ多くの人に会いたい。
I want to meet as many people as possible.
Also means 'as much as possible' or 'if possible'. Slightly more formal than できるだけ, often used in requests or instructions.
Literally 'as far as possible'. More formal and often used in written language or official contexts.
可能な限り早急に対応します。
We will respond as soon as possible.
The conditional form of できる, meaning 'if possible'. Very common in requests and suggestions.
できれば、明日来てください。
If possible, please come tomorrow.
Expressing uncertainty or conjecture about a situation.
Attach to plain form of verbs/adjectives/nouns to mean 'might' or 'maybe'. This is the most common way to express possibility in the sense of uncertainty.
雨が降るかもしれない。
It might rain. (Rain is possible.)
彼は来ないかもしれない。
He might not come.
Literally 'there is a possibility of ~'. More formal and often used in news or analytical contexts. Attach to noun + の or verb plain form.
地震が起こる可能性がある。
There is a possibility that an earthquake will occur.
Expressing the act of enabling or making something feasible.
Means 'to make possible'. Used in both concrete and abstract contexts.
新しい技術がそれを可能にした。
New technology made that possible.
A more colloquial way to say 'make it so that one can do'. Often used in instructions or personal goals.
もっと勉強して、日本語が話せるようにしたい。
I want to study more and make it possible to speak Japanese.
可能 (kanō) is a more formal, written-style word, while できる (dekiru) is the everyday verb 'can do'. In casual conversation, use できる or the potential form of verbs. In formal writing or speeches, 可能 is appropriate.
それは可能でしょうか。
Would that be possible? (polite)
それ、できる？
Can you do that? (casual)
English speakers often overuse 可能 because it directly translates 'possible'. However, Japanese prefers verb potential forms or できる for most everyday situations. Reserve 可能 for formal or abstract contexts.
できるだけ早くご返信ください。
Please respond as soon as possible.
彼は忘れたかもしれない。
It's possible that he forgot.
クレジットカードで払えますか？
Is it possible to pay by credit card?
That's a possible thing (that could happen).
そんなことはあり得ない。
That's impossible (cannot possibly happen).
なるべく早く返事をください。
Please reply as soon as possible.