might, could possibly

Beginner

15-20 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Indicates possibility of undesirable outcome.

[Verb ます stem] + かねない

彼なら、そんなことをしかねない。

Kare nara, sonna koto wo shikanenai.

He might well do such a thing.

放っておくと、大変なことになりかねない。

Hotte oku to, taihen na koto ni narikanenai.

If left alone, it could become a serious problem.

Usually for negative possibilities.

～かねる

cannot, hard to, hesitate to

～に違いない

must be ~, no doubt that ~, undoubtedly

～に関して/関する

regarding ~, concerning ~, about ~

～について/つい

about ~, concerning ~

～に伴って/伴い/伴う

along with ~, as ~ (changes)

Warning about potential negative outcomes.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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