Structure
Verb[stem]+ かねない
Noun + に + かねない
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About かねない
The negative form of the る-Verb 兼ねる '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. 兼ねない 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 兼ねない 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 兼ねる 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.
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Examples
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この事をそのままにしていたら、摩擦をうみ兼ねない。
If you leave it at that, it might cause conflict.
危険な運転をすれば、事故が起こり兼ねない。
If you drive dangerously, an accident might occur.
この犬に噛まれたら、大怪我をしかねない。
If this dog bites you, it is capable of causing serious injury.
この程度の怪我でも、ウイルスに感染し兼ねない。
Even with this degree of injury, you might get a virus infection.
灯油の保管をちゃんとしないと、火事になり兼ねない。
If you don't properly store kerosene, a fire is possible.
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Additional information and examples
JapaneseTest4You
How to use かねる and かねない
Maggie Sensei
More examples
JGram
Offline
Tae Kim's Japanese Grammar Guide
Page 328
完全マスター N2
Page 100-2
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