# 可能性がある: may/might; there’s a possibility that ~

> Learn how to use 可能性がある, a JLPT N1 Japanese grammar point meaning may/might, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N1 · Updated: 2026-05-18 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n1-kanousei-ga-aru/

**<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある** means **may/might; there’s a possibility that ~**. It is a **JLPT N1** Japanese grammar pattern used to express that something is possible or likely based on available evidence, conditions, or logical reasoning.

This grammar point often appears in news reports, academic writing, business forecasts, and JLPT N1 reading passages. If you want to discuss probability in a careful, evidence-based way, **<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある** is a useful pattern to learn because it lets you avoid overstatements and keeps your Japanese precise.

## What does <ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある mean?

Use **<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある** when you want to state that an event or condition has a real chance of occurring, without committing to certainty. It signals that you have considered the facts and see a credible path to that outcome.

Natural translations include:
- may/might; there’s a possibility that ~

The best translation depends on the formality of the context. In casual speech, “might” often feels natural; in formal analysis, “there is a possibility that” works better. Notice the speaker’s goal first, then pick the English that matches.

## How to form <ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある

The grammar attaches to a noun phrase or a plain‑form clause describing the possible event.

<div class="formation">
  <span class="ftoken t-core">Noun</span>
  <span class="fplus">＋</span>
  <span class="ftoken t-conn">の</span>
  <span class="fplus">＋</span>
  <span class="ftoken t-core"><ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby></span>
  <span class="ftoken t-aux">がある</span>
</div>
<div class="formation">
  <span class="ftoken t-core">Verb</span>
  <span class="ftoken t-conn">(plain form)</span>
  <span class="fplus">＋</span>
  <span class="ftoken t-core"><ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby></span>
  <span class="ftoken t-aux">がある</span>
</div>
<div class="formation">
  <span class="ftoken t-core">い-adjective</span>
  <span class="ftoken t-conn">(plain)</span>
  <span class="fplus">＋</span>
  <span class="ftoken t-core"><ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby></span>
  <span class="ftoken t-aux">がある</span>
</div>
<div class="formation">
  <span class="ftoken t-core">な-adjective</span>
  <span class="ftoken t-conn">＋ な／である</span>
  <span class="fplus">＋</span>
  <span class="ftoken t-core"><ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby></span>
  <span class="ftoken t-aux">がある</span>
</div>

Examples of the pattern:
- <ruby>地震<rt>じしん</rt></ruby>の<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある
- <ruby>回復<rt>かいふく</rt></ruby>する<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある
- <ruby>高<rt>たか</rt></ruby>い<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある
- <ruby>必要<rt>ひつよう</rt></ruby>な<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある

In formal writing, you may also see the variant **<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>が<ruby>高い<rp>(</rp><rt>たかい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>** (the possibility is high) or **<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>は<ruby>低い<rp>(</rp><rt>ひくい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>** (the possibility is low) to modify the probability, but the core structure remains the same.

The form before the grammar point matters. JLPT questions often test whether you can correctly connect a clause to **<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある**; a wrong answer might use a polite form (～ます<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>) or omit the の after a noun.

## When is <ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある used?

Use **<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある** in situations like:
- predicting outcomes based on data, symptoms, or historical patterns
- hedging statements in formal reports, news, or academic papers
- expressing a cautious but rational expectation
- discussing risks, forecasts, or hypothetical developments

Tone and register:
- neutral to formal; sounds objective and analytical
- Common in newspapers, business meetings, scientific articles, and JLPT N1 reading comprehension

## <ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある example sentences

<div class="examples">

<div class="example">
  <div class="example-jp"><ruby>明日<rt>あした</rt></ruby>は<ruby>天気<rt>てんき</rt></ruby>が<ruby>崩<rt>くず</rt></ruby>れる<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>があるので、<ruby>傘<rt>かさ</rt></ruby>を<ruby>持<rt>も</rt></ruby>って<ruby>行<rt>い</rt></ruby>ったほうがいいです。</div>
  <div class="example-en">The weather might turn bad tomorrow, so you should take an umbrella.</div>
  <div class="example-foot"><span class="example-tag">daily</span></div>
</div>

<div class="example">
  <div class="example-jp"><ruby>検査<rt>けんさ</rt></ruby>の<ruby>結果<rt>けっか</rt></ruby>によっては、<ruby>再<rt>さい</rt></ruby><ruby>手術<rt>しゅじゅつ</rt></ruby>になる<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>があると<ruby>医者<rt>いしゃ</rt></ruby>に<ruby>言<rt>い</rt></ruby>われました。</div>
  <div class="example-en">The doctor told me that, depending on the test results, there is a possibility I’ll need another surgery.</div>
  <div class="example-foot"><span class="example-tag">medical</span></div>
</div>

<div class="example">
  <div class="example-jp">この<ruby>政策<rt>せいさく</rt></ruby>が<ruby>実現<rt>じつげん</rt></ruby>すれば、<ruby>景気<rt>けいき</rt></ruby>が<ruby>回復<rt>かいふく</rt></ruby>する<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>があると<ruby>専門家<rt>せんもんか</rt></ruby>は<ruby>指摘<rt>してき</rt></ruby>している。</div>
  <div class="example-en">Experts point out that, if this policy is implemented, there is a possibility the economy will recover.</div>
  <div class="example-foot"><span class="example-tag">news / formal</span></div>
</div>

<div class="example">
  <div class="example-jp"><ruby>今<rt>いま</rt></ruby>のペースを<ruby>維持<rt>いじ</rt></ruby>できれば、<ruby>目標<rt>もくひょう</rt></ruby>を<ruby>達成<rt>たっせい</rt></ruby>できる<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>が<ruby>十分<rt>じゅうぶん</rt></ruby>にある。</div>
  <div class="example-en">If we can maintain the current pace, there is a real possibility we will reach our target.</div>
  <div class="example-foot"><span class="example-tag">business</span></div>
</div>

<div class="example">
  <div class="example-jp">この<ruby>薬<rt>くすり</rt></ruby>には<ruby>副作用<rt>ふくさよう</rt></ruby>が<ruby>出<rt>で</rt></ruby>る<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>があるため、<ruby>使用<rt>しよう</rt></ruby>には<ruby>注意<rt>ちゅうい</rt></ruby>が<ruby>必要<rt>ひつよう</rt></ruby>です。</div>
  <div class="example-en">Because this medicine has the potential to cause side effects, caution is needed when using it.</div>
  <div class="example-foot"><span class="example-tag">warning / formal</span></div>
</div>

<div class="example">
  <div class="example-jp"><ruby>証拠<rt>しょうこ</rt></ruby>が<ruby>不十分<rt>ふじゅうぶん</rt></ruby>なので、<ruby>犯人<rt>はんにん</rt></ruby>が<ruby>国外<rt>こくがい</rt></ruby>に<ruby>逃<rt>に</rt></ruby>げた<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>も<ruby>否定<rt>ひてい</rt></ruby>できない。</div>
  <div class="example-en">The evidence is insufficient, so we cannot rule out the possibility that the culprit fled abroad.</div>
  <div class="example-foot"><span class="example-tag">investigative</span></div>
</div>

</div>

After reading each sentence, ask what job **<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある** is doing: framing a plausible, evidence‑supported outcome without over‑promising. That makes the nuance easier to remember than a single English word.

## Nuance of <ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある

The key nuance is **an objective, evidence‑based assessment that a certain outcome is not guaranteed but is realistically possible**.

Unlike casual guesses, **<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある** implies that you have some grounds — data, precedent, logical deduction — for your statement. It sits in the spectrum between “definitely will happen” and “just a wild guess.” It often carries a tone of professional caution.

For example:
- In a weather forecast, “<ruby>雨<rp>(</rp><rt>あめ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>が<ruby>降る<rp>(</rp><rt>ふる</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>かもしれない” sounds like a personal hunch; “<ruby>雨<rp>(</rp><rt>あめ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>が<ruby>降る<rp>(</rp><rt>ふる</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby><ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある” sounds like a forecaster citing satellite data.
- In a meeting, saying “<ruby>売上<rp>(</rp><rt>うりあげ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>が<ruby>伸びる<rp>(</rp><rt>のびる</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby><ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある” suggests you’ve looked at trends; “<ruby>伸びる<rp>(</rp><rt>のびる</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>かもしれない” could mean you’re just being optimistic.

This distinction matters for JLPT N1 because reading passages often expect you to infer whether the author is merely speculating or drawing a reasoned conclusion.

## <ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある vs かもしれない

Both **<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある** and **かもしれない** translate to “may/might,” but their underlying stance is different.

<div class="compare">
  <div class="cmp a">
    <div class="cmp-head"><ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある</div>
    <div class="cmp-sub">objective, evidence‑based; common in formal registers</div>
    <div class="cmp-when">When you have grounds for the possibility</div>
    <div class="cmp-eg">データによると、<ruby>景気<rp>(</rp><rt>けいき</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>が<ruby>回復<rp>(</rp><rt>かいふく</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>する<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある。</div>
    <div class="cmp-eg-en">According to the data, there is a possibility the economy will recover.</div>
  </div>
  <div class="vs">vs</div>
  <div class="cmp b">
    <div class="cmp-head">かもしれない</div>
    <div class="cmp-sub">subjective, speculative; everyday conversation</div>
    <div class="cmp-when">When you’re guessing or admitting uncertainty personally</div>
    <div class="cmp-eg"><ruby>景気<rp>(</rp><rt>けいき</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>が<ruby>回復<rp>(</rp><rt>かいふく</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>するかもしれないね。</div>
    <div class="cmp-eg-en">The economy might recover, don’t you think?</div>
  </div>
</div>

Quick contrast:
- **<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある** is often used in formal reports, news, and academic settings. It’s less about personal feeling and more about plausible scenarios.
- **かもしれない** is the go‑to pattern in casual speech, and it places the speaker’s uncertainty front and center.

If both translations seem possible, check the register. Is the sentence from a newspaper or a chat with a friend? The formality alone often determines which one sounds natural.

## Common mistakes with <ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある

Watch out for these mistakes:

<div class="mistakes">
  <div class="mistake">
    <div class="mline">
      <span class="mark bad">❌</span>
      <span class="mline-body"><ruby>明日<rp>(</rp><rt>あす</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>は<ruby>必ず<rp>(</rp><rt>かならず</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby><ruby>雨<rp>(</rp><rt>あめ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>が<ruby>降る<rp>(</rp><rt>ふる</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby><ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある。</span>
    </div>
    <div class="mline">
      <span class="mark good">✅</span>
      <span class="mline-body"><ruby>明日<rp>(</rp><rt>あす</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>は<ruby>雨<rp>(</rp><rt>あめ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>が<ruby>降る<rp>(</rp><rt>ふる</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby><ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある。</span>
    </div>
    <div class="note">Don’t combine it with certainty words like “<ruby>必ず<rp>(</rp><rt>かならず</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>” — that contradicts the idea of mere possibility.</div>
  </div>
  <div class="mistake">
    <div class="mline">
      <span class="mark bad">❌</span>
      <span class="mline-body"><ruby>成功<rp>(</rp><rt>せいこう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>するの<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある。</span>
    </div>
    <div class="mline">
      <span class="mark good">✅</span>
      <span class="mline-body"><ruby>成功<rp>(</rp><rt>せいこう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>する<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある。</span>
    </div>
    <div class="note">After a plain‑form verb, don’t insert の. の is only needed after a noun.</div>
  </div>
  <div class="mistake">
    <div class="mline">
      <span class="mark bad">❌</span>
      <span class="mline-body"><ruby>彼<rp>(</rp><rt>かれ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>が<ruby>来<rp>(</rp><rt>き</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ます<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある。</span>
    </div>
    <div class="mline">
      <span class="mark good">✅</span>
      <span class="mline-body"><ruby>彼<rp>(</rp><rt>かれ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>が<ruby>来る<rp>(</rp><rt>くる</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby><ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある。</span>
    </div>
    <div class="note">The clause before <ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある must be in plain form, not polite form.</div>
  </div>
</div>

A helpful practice is to take a speculative sentence with かもしれない and rewrite it as **<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある** while adjusting the surrounding context to make it sound evidence‑based. That shift teaches you the register difference.

## Is <ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある on the JLPT?

Yes. **<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある** is commonly taught as **JLPT N1** grammar.

<div class="jlpt-card">
  <div class="jlpt-shield">N1</div>
  <div class="jlpt-info">
    <div class="jlpt-checks">
      <span>✔</span> Recognise it in reading passages<br/>
      <span>✔</span> Understand its nuance (objective vs. subjective)<br/>
      <span>✔</span> Use it in a simple, context‑appropriate sentence
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

That means learners should be able to:
- recognise it in long, formal texts
- distinguish it from similar expressions like かもしれない or <ruby>恐れ<rp>(</rp><rt>おそれ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある
- produce a sentence where the choice of **<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある** fits the register and intent

For test preparation, study the grammar point in full, paragraph‑length sentences. JLPT questions often test whether you can infer the speaker’s degree of certainty, not just the literal meaning.

## Practice questions for <ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:

<div class="prompts">
  <div class="prompt">
    <span class="prompt-num">1</span>
    <div class="prompt-text">Use <ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある to describe a weather‑ or traffic‑related possibility, adding one piece of supporting logic.</div>
    <span class="prompt-tag">daily</span>
  </div>
  <div class="prompt">
    <span class="prompt-num">2</span>
    <div class="prompt-text">Write a sentence from a doctor’s or researcher’s perspective, explaining an outcome that depends on test results or data.</div>
    <span class="prompt-tag">formal</span>
  </div>
  <div class="prompt">
    <span class="prompt-num">3</span>
    <div class="prompt-text">Write a pair of sentences: one with <ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある and one with かもしれない, and explain why the register changes the feeling.</div>
    <span class="prompt-tag">compare</span>
  </div>
</div>

Keep your first sentences straightforward. Once the structure feels natural, add more context — for example, include a condition (もし〜たら) or a contrasting outcome — to make the nuance sharper.

## Learning path for <ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある

To learn **<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある** efficiently, start with its formation, then compare it with similar expressions, and finally practice in authentic contexts.

<div class="path">
  <div class="path-step">
    <span class="step-num">1</span>
    <div class="step-body">First, make sure you can attach <strong><ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある</strong> to nouns (with の), verbs, and adjectives without hesitation. Write one example of each.</div>
  </div>
  <div class="path-step">
    <span class="step-num">2</span>
    <div class="step-body">Next, compare it with <strong>かもしれない</strong>. Find a N1 reading passage and underline every <ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある or かもしれない you see. Ask yourself: why did the author choose that pattern?</div>
  </div>
  <div class="path-step">
    <span class="step-num">3</span>
    <div class="step-body">Study the related patterns listed below — especially those involving evidence‑based conclusions or risks — to understand the bigger family of N1 probability expressions.</div>
  </div>
  <div class="path-step">
    <span class="step-num">4</span>
    <div class="step-body">Finally, write a short paragraph (3–4 sentences) analysing a hypothetical situation, using <ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある at least twice. Read it aloud to feel the formal rhythm.</div>
  </div>
</div>

## Related grammar to review next

- [からある・からする・からの](/blog/n1-kara-aru-kara-suru-kara-no/) — because it also introduces an estimation based on existing facts
- [かいもなく](/blog/n1-kai-mo-naku/) — because it contrasts effort with a possible (or impossible) outcome
- [かれ～かれ](/blog/n1-kare-kare/) — because it expresses extremes that frame a likely range
- [かぎりだ](/blog/n1-kagiri-da/) — because it stresses the speaker’s conviction about an emotional or observable state

## Learn <ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある with Hane

If you want to review **<ruby>可能性<rp>(</rp><rt>かのうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:
- [All grammar lessons](/blog/)
- [JLPT N1 grammar lessons](/blog/n1/)