Meaning
Stating that something can happen or be done.
Cultural Background
In Mexico, 'Es posible' is often used to avoid a direct 'No'. If someone says 'Es posible' without a firm commitment, they might be politely declining. Spaniards tend to use 'Es posible' more literally to discuss logic. For social plans, they are more likely to use 'A lo mejor' or 'Igual'. The word 'Capaz' is a very strong competitor for 'Es posible' in daily speech. It is used almost as an adverb. Colombians often use 'Es posible' in a very polite, formal way in service industries.
The 'Que' Trigger
Always remember: if you see 'que' after 'Es posible', prepare your subjunctive verb!
Avoid 'Está'
Never say 'Está posible'. It's a permanent logical state, so use 'Es'.
Meaning
Stating that something can happen or be done.
The 'Que' Trigger
Always remember: if you see 'que' after 'Es posible', prepare your subjunctive verb!
Avoid 'Está'
Never say 'Está posible'. It's a permanent logical state, so use 'Es'.
The Polite No
If a native speaker says 'Es posible' and looks hesitant, they probably mean 'No'.
Easy Mode
If you are a beginner, stick to 'Es posible' + Infinitive (e.g., 'Es posible ir') to avoid grammar mistakes.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'ir' (to go). Remember: 'Es posible que' triggers the subjunctive!
Es posible que yo _______ a la fiesta mañana.
Because 'Es posible que' introduces uncertainty for a specific subject (yo), the subjunctive 'vaya' is required.
Which sentence is a general statement about feasibility?
Choose the correct option:
For general statements, we use 'Es posible' + infinitive. No 'que', no 'de', and no 'estar'.
Match the Spanish phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are direct translations of common 'posible' phrases.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: ¿Podemos terminar el proyecto hoy? B: ________, pero necesitamos trabajar mucho.
The speaker is expressing that it can be done, but with a condition, making 'Es posible' the best fit.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Certainty Scale
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEs posible que yo _______ a la fiesta mañana.
Because 'Es posible que' introduces uncertainty for a specific subject (yo), the subjunctive 'vaya' is required.
Choose the correct option:
For general statements, we use 'Es posible' + infinitive. No 'que', no 'de', and no 'estar'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are direct translations of common 'posible' phrases.
A: ¿Podemos terminar el proyecto hoy? B: ________, pero necesitamos trabajar mucho.
The speaker is expressing that it can be done, but with a condition, making 'Es posible' the best fit.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, it's very common. '¿Es posible entrar?' is a polite way to ask if you can go in.
'Es posible' is slightly more formal/neutral. 'Puede ser' is very common in casual conversation.
Yes, in standard Spanish, the subjunctive is mandatory because the phrase expresses uncertainty.
You say 'Era posible' (imperfect) or 'Fue posible' (preterite).
Absolutely. It's used to discuss project feasibility and deadlines.
No. Unlike French, Spanish doesn't use 'de' here. Just 'Es posible' + verb.
The opposite is 'Es imposible'.
Yes, it is universally understood and used across Spain and Latin America.
Yes, 'Es posible que llueva' is the standard way to say 'It might rain'.
'Tal vez' is an adverb (Maybe), while 'Es posible' is a full phrase (It is possible). Both are very common.
Yes, it's a great 'softener' for requests or opinions.
You use a different phrase: 'lo antes posible'.
Related Phrases
Puede ser
synonymIt could be
Es probable
similarIt is probable
Es imposible
contrastIt is impossible
A lo mejor
similarMaybe / Perhaps
Cabe la posibilidad
specialized formThe possibility exists
