Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 3: 3/23

()ねないMight, Could be, Capable of, Possible

Structure

Verb[stem]+ かねない
Noun + + ​​かねない

Details

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About かねない

The negative form of the る-Verb ()ねる 'to spread across' (usually 2 different activities or thought processes) is a grammar pattern that indicates a possibility of (A) happening, especially when it is something that the speaker themselves cannot control. ()ねない is often translated as 'might (A)', 'capable of (A)', or '(A) is a possibility'.

This structure will be seen connected to the ます-stem of verbs, or after nouns followed by に. Both the kanji and non-kanji forms may be used.

It is quite common to see ()ねない come after conditional phrases that include と, ば, たら, でも, and similar structures. This indicates that 'if (A) were to happen, (B) may also occur'.

Caution

While this grammar structure is most often used to highlight negative outcomes, it may also be used to indicate or desire or wish sarcastically.

Fun-fact

As ()ねる means 'to spread across', in the negative, this expression can be thought of as similar to 'to not be a stretch' in English. It just indicates the action of (A) would not be a stretch of the ability or capacity of whoever or whatever is being discussed.

Antonyms


Examples

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    この(こと)をそのままにしていたら、摩擦(まさつ)うみ()ねない

    If you leave it at that, it might cause conflict.

    危険(きけん)運転(うんてん)をすれば、事故(じこ)()こり()ねない

    If you drive dangerously, an accident might occur.

    この(いぬ)()まれたら、(おお)怪我(けが)しかねない

    If this dog bites you, it is capable of causing serious injury.

    この程度(ていど)怪我(けが)でも、ウイルスに感染(かんせん)()ねない

    Even with this degree of injury, you might get a virus infection.

    灯油(とうゆ)保管(ほかん)をちゃんとしないと、火事(かじ)なり()ねない

    If you don't properly store kerosene, a fire is possible.

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かねない – Grammar Discussion