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Might happen (negative result)
Definition
The grammar pattern "V-masu + かねない" is used to express a negative possibility or a potential consequence of a certain action or situation. It is often used to warn or criticize someone's behavior, implying that a particular outcome might occur due to their actions. This pattern is commonly used in formal or polite language, and it can be translated to English as 'might happen' or 'may result in'.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Masu-stem of the verb | V-masu + かねない | 食べる + かねない = 食べるかねない |
| Masu-stem of the verb (in the negative form) | V-masu + ない + かねない | 食べない + かねない = 食べないかねない |
| Masu-stem of the verb (in the passive form) | V-rare + かねない | 食べられる + かねない = 食べられるかねない |
Examples
あんなにスピードを出したら、事故を起こしかねない。
An'nani supiido o dashitara, jiko o okoshi ka ne nai.
If you drive that fast, you might get into an accident.
あんなにスピードを出したら = If you drive that fast, した = drove, ば = if, 害み = might get into, する = an accident
不用意な発言は、大きな誤解を招きかねない。
Fuyōi na hatsugen wa, ōkina gokai o maneki ka ne nai.
Careless comments might lead to a big misunderstanding.
不用意な = careless, 発言 = comments, は = is, 大きな = big, 誘い = might lead to, する = a misunderstanding
休まずに働き続けると、体を壊しかねないよ。
Yasumazuni hataraki tsudzukeru to, karada o kowashi ka ne nai yo.
If you work non-stop, you might get physically exhausted.
休まずに = non-stop, 働き = work, つづける = continue, すると = if, 体 = physically, を = get, 壊し = exhausted, かねない = might
Context
This pattern is used in formal or polite language to express a negative possibility or a potential consequence. It is often used to warn or criticize someone's behavior. It can be compared to the pattern "V-masu + ない" which is used to express a negative possibility, but the latter implies a stronger sense of impossibility.
Watch out
The pattern "V-masu + かねない" is used to express negative results, so using it for positive results would be incorrect.
The pattern requires the masu-stem of the verb, not the dictionary form.
The pattern ～かねる is used to express inability, whereas the pattern "V-masu + かねない" is used to express a negative possibility.
Strategy
Pay attention to the context and the tone of the sentence. The pattern "V-masu + かねない" is often used in formal or polite language, so be aware of the level of formality and politeness in the sentence.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N2 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-masu + かねない used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
あんなにスピードを出したら、事故を起こしかねない。
Pattern used: かねない
～かねない means 'might happen', whereas ～かねる means 'cannot'.
不用意な発言は、大きな誤解を招きかねない。
Pattern used: かねない
～かねない is used here to warn that a specific action might cause a negative outcome.
休まずに働き続けると、体を壊しかねないよ。
Pattern used: かねない
Expresses a concern that an action (overworking) will lead to a bad state (illness).
Interactive
あんなにスピードを出したら、事故を起こし______。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.