可能
kěnéng · HSK 2
maybe
可 (can) + 能 (able) = can-able → possible, maybe
可 means 'can/may' and 能 means 'able/capable'. Together 可能 literally reads as 'can-able', extended to mean 'possible' or 'probably'. Common in hedging statements like 'it might rain'.
可 — mouth 口 + breath marker 丁 (modified)
可 originally depicted a mouth (口) with a curved stroke suggesting exhaled breath or speech, conveying approval or assent. From this came the meaning 'to permit' or 'can,' as granting permission was expressed verbally. Today it broadly means 'may,' 'can,' or 'approve.'
能 — 厶 (head) + 月 (body/flesh) + 匕匕 (legs)
Originally a pictograph of a bear, showing its head, body, and powerful legs. Because bears were seen as strong and capable, the character was borrowed to mean 'ability' or 'can'. A new character 熊 (with the fire radical 灬) was later created for 'bear'.
kě néng · HSK 2
maybe
可 (can) + 能 (able) = can + able → possibly able to happen
可 means 'can/may' and 能 means 'able/capable'. Together 可能 literally reads as 'can-able', i.e. something that is able to happen — hence 'maybe, probably, possible'.
可 — mouth 口 + breath marker 丁 (modified)
可 originally depicted a mouth (口) with a curved stroke suggesting exhaled breath or speech, conveying approval or assent. From this came the meaning 'to permit' or 'can,' as granting permission was expressed verbally. Today it broadly means 'may,' 'can,' or 'approve.'
能 — 厶 (head) + 月 (body/flesh) + 匕匕 (legs)
Originally a pictograph of a bear, showing its head, body, and powerful legs. Because bears were seen as strong and capable, the character was borrowed to mean 'ability' or 'can'. A new character 熊 (with the fire radical 灬) was later created for 'bear'.