可能(かのう)

可能(かのう) is a noun and na-adjective meaning 'possible' or 'feasible.'

Forms

• 可能(かのう)な + noun: possible ~
• 可能(かのう)だ/です: is possible
• 可能(かのう)に + verb: make ~ possible

Common patterns

• 可能(かのう)な限(かぎ)り: as much as possible
• 〜可能(かのう): ~-able, capable of ~
• 可能(かのう)性(せい): possibility, likelihood

可能(かのう)形(けい) (potential form) is the verb conjugation expressing ability (e.g., 食(た)べる → 食(た)べられる).

Compounds

• 実現(じつげん)可能(かのう): realizable, achievable
• 配達(はいたつ)可能(かのう): deliverable
• 利用(りよう)可能(かのう): available for use

VS. できる:
できる is the everyday verb for 'can, is possible' and is used in speech of any register. 可能(かのう) is a noun/na-adjective and belongs to written and formal contexts — notices, forms, business writing, and compounds such as 予約(よやく)可能(かのう) ('reservations accepted'). Where both fit, できる sounds natural in conversation and 可能(かのう) sounds official.

Similar words

不可能(ふかのう) (impossible)