Inklingo

How to Say "possibility" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “possibility” is “posibilidad” — use 'posibilidad' when referring to the general potential or likelihood of something happening, especially in a neutral or formal context..

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posibilidad

/poh-see-bee-lee-DAHD//posiβiliˈðað/

nounA2
Use 'posibilidad' when referring to the general potential or likelihood of something happening, especially in a neutral or formal context.
A tiny brown seed rests in dark, rich soil. Directly above the seed, a faint, glowing outline of a large, fully grown green tree symbolizes the potential held within.

Examples

¿Hay alguna posibilidad de que vengas mañana?

Is there any possibility that you will come tomorrow?

Exploramos todas las posibilidades antes de decidir la ruta.

We explored all the possibilities before deciding the route.

La posibilidad de que gane la lotería es remota, pero existe.

The chance that I win the lottery is remote, but it exists.

Using 'de'

Use the small word 'de' (of) to connect 'posibilidad' to the action or thing being discussed: 'la posibilidad de viajar' (the possibility of traveling).

Feminine Noun Rule

Remember that almost all Spanish words ending in -dad, like 'posibilidad,' are feminine and take the article 'la' or 'una'.

Gender Error

Mistake: “El posibilidad de ir...”

Correction: La posibilidad de ir... 'Posibilidad' is always feminine.

Subjunctive Following Uncertainty

Mistake: “Hay una posibilidad que llueve.”

Correction: Hay una posibilidad de que llueva. When expressing possibility or uncertainty, the following verb often uses a special form (the subjunctive, used here as 'llueva').

chance

chahn-seh/ˈtʃanse/

nounB1informal
Use 'chance' when referring to a specific opportunity or a more informal, often lower, likelihood of something occurring.
A simple drawing of a hand gently tossing a single, blank white cube (a die) into the air, illustrating the uncertainty and likelihood of an event's outcome.

Examples

No hay chance de que el tren llegue a tiempo con esta nevada.

There is no chance that the train will arrive on time with this snowfall.

¿Qué chance tenemos de que nos den el trabajo?

What probability do we have of getting the job?

Using 'No hay chance'

This fixed phrase is extremely common and means 'There is no way' or 'It’s impossible.' It is often followed by 'de que' and the special form of the verb used for wishes and doubts (the subjunctive).

Posibilidad vs. Chance

Learners often use 'chance' too broadly. Remember that 'posibilidad' is the more general and widely applicable term for 'possibility.' Reserve 'chance' for when you mean a specific opportunity or a less certain, more informal likelihood.

Related Translations

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