可能 kěnéng — maybe, possibly

Meanings

1. 1

   maybe, possibly

   Marks a guess. As an adverb it stands after the subject and before the verb — 他可能在家 — and it is the everyday way to hedge a statement.

   adverb
2. 2

   possible, likely

   adjective

Example sentences

• 他可能在家。Tā (first tone, high and level) kěnéng (third tone, dipping) zài (fourth tone, falling) jiā. (first tone, high and level)···

  He’s probably at home.

• 明天可能下雨。Míngtiān (second tone, rising) kěnéng (third tone, dipping) xià (fourth tone, falling) yǔ. (third tone, dipping)···

  It might rain tomorrow.

Common mistakes

• Not quite他来可能。

  Correct他可能来。

  可能 is an adverb and cannot trail at the end of the sentence the way "maybe" can in English. Put it before the verb.

Similar words