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).
Is that 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.
He can speak Japanese.
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.
He can speak Japanese.
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.
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.
Expressing the act of enabling or making something feasible.
Means 'to make possible'. Used in both concrete and abstract contexts.
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.
Would that be possible? (polite)
Please respond as soon as possible.
Please come as soon as possible.
ここで写真を撮ることができますか？
Is it possible to take photos here?
Can you come tomorrow?
それはあり得ることだ。
That's a possible thing (that could happen).
That's impossible (cannot possibly happen).
Means 'as much as possible' or 'as ... as one can'. Very common and natural in both speech and writing.
Please come as soon as possible.
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.
Please reply as soon as possible.
Literally 'as far as possible'. More formal and often used in written language or official contexts.
We will respond as soon as possible.
The conditional form of できる, meaning 'if possible'. Very common in requests and suggestions.
If possible, please come tomorrow.
It might rain. (Rain is possible.)
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.
There is a possibility that an earthquake will occur.
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.
I want to study more and make it possible to speak Japanese.
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.
It's possible that he forgot.
Is it possible to pay by credit card?