Translation guide
Expressing that something is possible to imagine, think of, or consider. In Japanese, this is often conveyed through potential forms, conditional expressions, or set phrases rather than a single direct translation.
To say that an idea, scenario, or possibility can be imagined or comes to mind.
The potential form of 考える (to think). It means 'can be thought' or 'is conceivable'. This is the most direct and common way to express the concept.
それは十分に考えられることだ。
That is fully conceivable.
彼が犯人だという可能性も考えられる。
The possibility that he is the culprit is also conceivable.
Introducing a hypothetical or possible situation.
A common pattern meaning 'it is also conceivable that...'. Used to present an additional possibility.
彼が嘘をついていることも考えられる。
It is also conceivable that he is lying.
Literally 'can exist/be'. Used for possibilities that are plausible or within the realm of possibility. Often used in formal or written contexts.
そういうこともあり得る。
That kind of thing is also conceivable.
最悪のシナリオもあり得る。
The worst-case scenario is also conceivable.
Literally 'can imagine'. Used when something can be pictured in the mind. Slightly more concrete than 考えられる.
彼が怒るのは想像できる。
It is conceivable that he would get angry.
Used in formal or technical contexts to mean 'it is assumed/expected/conceivable'. Often found in reports or risk assessments.
様々なリスクが想定される。
Various risks are conceivable.
Literally 'there is a possibility that...'. A straightforward way to express that something is conceivable.
彼が失敗する可能性がある。
It is conceivable that he might fail.
Means 'it is not necessarily the case that... not...', implying that a certain possibility cannot be ruled out. Often used to express a conceivable negative outcome.
彼が来ないとも限らない。
It is conceivable that he might not come.