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B1 adjective #4,000 most common 9 min read

可行

kexing Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 可行 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 可行 in your Level:

At the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages Level A1, you don't really need to use the full word '可行' (kěxíng). Instead, you focus on its root: '行' (xíng). In daily life, '行' is a very common way to say 'okay' or 'it works.' For example, if someone asks 'Can we meet at 5:00?' you can simply say '行' (xíng). You are learning that the character '行' implies movement and success. At this early stage, think of '可行' as the formal big brother of '行.' If '行' is 'okay,' '可行' is 'practically possible.' You might see '可行' on signs or in very simple instructions, but your primary goal is just to recognize the '行' character and understand that it relates to things 'going' well or being 'okay.' Don't worry about the complex grammar yet; just know that 'kě' (can) plus 'xíng' (go) means something can happen.

By Level A2, you are starting to form more complex sentences about plans and schedules. You might encounter '可行' in simple workplace dialogues or reading passages about project planning. At this level, you should understand that '可行' is an adjective used to describe a '办法' (bànfǎ - method) or a '计划' (jìhuà - plan). You can start using the structure '...是可行的' (...shì kěxíng de). For instance, '这个计划是可行的' (This plan is feasible). You are also learning to distinguish between '可以' (kěyǐ), which you use for permission like 'Can I go?', and '可行,' which you use for the logic of a plan. If you are planning a trip with friends, you might say '这个时间表可行吗？' (Is this timetable feasible?). It shows you are moving beyond basic survival Chinese into more descriptive and evaluative language.

Level B1 is where '可行' becomes a core part of your vocabulary. This is the level where you are expected to handle professional situations and academic topics. You should be comfortable using '可行' to discuss the pros and cons of different options. You will frequently see the noun '可行性' (kěxíngxìng - feasibility) in business contexts. You need to know how to use it in sentences like '我们需要讨论这个方案的可行性' (We need to discuss the feasibility of this proposal). You should also be able to use adverbs of degree, such as '非常可行' (very feasible) or '不太可行' (not very feasible). At this stage, '可行' is your tool for expressing professional opinions. You are no longer just saying things are 'good' or 'bad'; you are evaluating them based on their practical potential for success. This is a key step in sounding more like a mature adult speaker of Chinese.

At Level B2, you are expected to use '可行' with nuance and precision in various formal contexts. You should be able to conduct a '可行性研究' (feasibility study) or write a '可行性报告' (feasibility report). You will encounter this word in news reports about social policies, environmental projects, and technological innovations. You should understand the difference between '可行' and other similar words like '实际' (practical) or '现实' (realistic). For example, a plan might be technically '可行' but not politically '现实.' You should also be able to use the negative form '不可行' to provide constructive criticism in a professional manner. Your sentences should become more complex, such as: '从长远来看，这个发展模式是不可行的' (From a long-term perspective, this development model is not feasible). At this level, you use '可行' to engage in deeper debates about implementation and strategy.

At the C1 level, you use '可行' as part of a high-level analytical vocabulary. You understand its role in formal rhetoric and academic discourse. You can discuss the '经济可行性' (economic feasibility), '技术可行性' (technical feasibility), and '法律可行性' (legal feasibility) of complex global issues. You are also aware of the word's etymological roots and how it fits into the broader category of 'kě-' prefixed words (like 可靠 - reliable, 可观 - considerable). You can use '可行' in sophisticated structures, such as '在...的前提下，该方案才具有可行性' (Only under the premise of..., does this proposal have feasibility). You are expected to read and write professional documents where '可行性' is a central theme. Your usage of the word should reflect a deep understanding of Chinese administrative and business culture, where feasibility is often the deciding factor in major investments and policy shifts.

Level C2 mastery means you use '可行' with the same ease and subtlety as a native speaker in the most demanding professional or academic environments. You can critique the methodologies of feasibility studies, identifying biases or flaws in the '可行性分析' (feasibility analysis). You might use the word in philosophical discussions about the '可行性' of certain ethical systems or political ideologies. You understand the historical evolution of the term and how it appears in legal codes and official state documents. You can use it with perfect register, knowing exactly when to use the formal '可行' versus the more idiomatic '行得通' or the classical '可施' (kě shī). At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item; it is a conceptual tool you use to navigate the highest levels of Chinese society, from boardrooms to government think tanks, with total linguistic precision and cultural fluency.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

可行 in 30 Seconds

Kěxíng (可行) means 'feasible' or 'workable.' It is used to describe plans, ideas, or methods that can realistically be implemented in practice.
It is a formal word, most commonly found in business, academic, and professional settings, often appearing as 'kěxíngxìng' (feasibility).
Grammatically, it is an adjective often used in the 'Subject + 是 + 可行的' structure or to modify nouns like '计划' (plan) or '方案' (proposal).
It differs from 'possible' (可能) by focusing on practical execution rather than just probability, and it is negated as '不可行' (unfeasible).

The Chinese word 可行 (kěxíng) is a vital adjective for intermediate learners transition into professional or academic Chinese. At its core, it is composed of two characters: 可 (kě), meaning 'can' or 'able to,' and 行 (xíng), which means 'to walk,' 'to go,' or 'to perform.' When combined, they literally translate to 'can go' or 'can be walked,' which metaphorically represents the idea that a plan, method, or suggestion is capable of being successfully executed or implemented. In English, we most often translate this as 'feasible' or 'workable.'

Core Concept: Practicality and possibility of execution.
Common Contexts: Business proposals, scientific research, government policy, and project management.
Grammatical Role: Primarily functions as a predicative adjective (following 'shì') or an attributive adjective (before a noun with 'de').

You will encounter this word frequently in the phrase 可行性 (kěxíngxìng), which is the noun form meaning 'feasibility.' In modern China, where rapid development and infrastructure projects are common, conducting a 可行性研究 (kěxíngxìng yánjiū) or 'feasibility study' is a standard prerequisite for any major undertaking. Whether it is building a new high-speed rail line or launching a startup app, the first question stakeholders ask is: 'Is this feasible?'

这个计划在理论上是可行的，但我们需要更多资金。(Zhège jìhuà zài lǐlùn shàng shì kěxíng de, dàn wǒmen xūyào gèng duō zījīn.)

Translation: This plan is feasible in theory, but we need more funding.

In everyday conversation, while slightly formal, it is used to validate a suggestion. If a friend suggests a way to avoid traffic, you might respond, '这办法可行' (This method is workable). It carries a weight of logical approval. It isn't just saying 'okay'; it's saying 'this will actually work in the real world.' Understanding this word allows you to participate in decision-making processes in a Chinese-speaking professional environment, demonstrating that you are thinking about logistics and outcomes rather than just abstract possibilities.

我们需要评估该方案的可行性。(Wǒmen xūyào pínggū gāi fāng'àn de kěxíngxìng.)

Translation: We need to evaluate the feasibility of this proposal.

Using 可行 (kěxíng) correctly requires understanding its role as a formal adjective. Unlike English where we might say 'This is feasible,' in Chinese, it often appears in the 'Subject + 是 + 可行的' structure. The addition of 'de' (的) at the end emphasizes the quality of the subject. It is rarely used to describe people; you wouldn't call a person 'kěxíng.' Instead, it describes plans, methods, solutions, or suggestions.

Pattern 1: Simple Predicative: [Subject] + [Degree Adverb] + 可行。 (e.g., 方案非常可行。)
Pattern 2: Feasibility Noun: [Action/Plan] + 的可行性。 (e.g., 这个项目的可行性很高。)
Pattern 3: Conditional: 如果可行，[Action]... (e.g., 如果可行，我们就明天开始。)

When you want to negate the word, you simply add 'bù' (不) to form 不可行 (bù kěxíng). This is a very strong way to say a plan is 'unfeasible' or 'dead on arrival.' In a meeting, saying '这不可行' is a professional but firm way to reject a proposal based on logistical grounds. It suggests that the speaker has analyzed the situation and found a fatal flaw in the implementation.

从技术角度来看，这个建议是完全可行的。(Cóng jìshù jiǎodù lái kàn, zhège jiànyì shì wánquán kěxíng de.)

Translation: From a technical perspective, this suggestion is completely feasible.

Another sophisticated use is in the phrase '行得通' (xíng de tōng), which is a more colloquial equivalent. However, in written reports or formal presentations, 可行 remains the gold standard. For example, in a graduation thesis (论文), you would write about the 可行性分析 (feasibility analysis) of your research method to prove to your professors that your experiment can actually be conducted within the given time and budget.

经过多次讨论，专家们认为这个方案并不可行。(Jīngguò duōcì tǎolùn, zhuānjiāmen rènwéi zhège fāng'àn bìng bù kěxíng.)

Translation: After many discussions, the experts believe this proposal is actually not feasible.

If you are working in a Chinese office, 可行 (kěxíng) will be one of the most common words you hear during brainstorming sessions and project reviews. It is the gatekeeper word. Before any budget is allocated, the 'kěxíngxìng' must be proven. You will hear managers say, '先做一个可行性报告' (First, make a feasibility report). This is a standard corporate procedure in China, reflecting a culture that values thorough planning and risk assessment before action.

News & Media: Often used when discussing government policies, such as the feasibility of new environmental regulations or urban planning changes.
Academic Circles: Essential for research proposals (开题报告) where students must justify their methodology.
Tech Industry: Engineers use it to discuss whether a specific feature can be coded or if a hardware design is physically possible.

In the context of the 'Belt and Road Initiative' or other massive international projects, the Chinese media frequently uses 可行性 to describe the economic and social viability of infrastructure in partner countries. It carries a connotation of 'realism.' In a culture that has moved from revolutionary idealism to pragmatic economic growth, 'kěxíng' represents the modern Chinese ethos of pragmatism (务实 - wùshí).

政府正在研究在该地区修建地铁的可行性。(Zhèngfǔ zhèngzài yánjiū zài gāi dìqū xiūjiàn dìtiě de kěxíngxìng.)

Translation: The government is studying the feasibility of building a subway in that area.

Beyond the boardroom, you might hear it in TV dramas involving doctors or detectives. A doctor might discuss whether a surgery is 'kěxíng' (survivable/executable), or a detective might evaluate if a criminal's alibi or method was 'kěxíng' (physically possible). It is a word that anchors a conversation in reality, away from the realm of fantasy or wishful thinking.

专家表示，这种手术方案是高度可行的。(Zhuānjiā biǎoshì, zhè zhǒng shǒushù fāng'àn shì gāodù kěxíng de.)

Translation: Experts state that this surgical plan is highly feasible.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is confusing 可行 (kěxíng) with 可能 (kěnéng). While both relate to the future, 'kěnéng' means 'possible' in terms of probability (e.g., 'It might rain'), whereas 'kěxíng' means 'feasible' in terms of implementation (e.g., 'This plan can work'). You would never say 'It is feasible that it will rain' in English, and similarly, you cannot use 'kěxíng' for weather or general likelihood.

Mistake 1: Person as Subject: Incorrect: 他很可行。 (He is very feasible.) Correct: 他的建议很可行。 (His suggestion is very feasible.)
Mistake 2: Confusing with 'kěyǐ': Incorrect: 我可行去吗？ (Am I feasible to go?) Correct: 我可以去吗？ (Can I go?)
Mistake 3: Over-using in casual contexts: While not grammatically wrong, using 'kěxíng' for 'Can you pass the salt?' is too formal. Use '行' or '可以' instead.

Another mistake is the placement of the word. Because it functions as an adjective, learners sometimes forget to use the particle 'de' (的) when it modifies a noun. For example, 'a feasible plan' should be '一个可行的计划', not just '一个可行计划.' The 'de' is necessary to link the descriptive quality to the object.

错误：这件事很可能。(This thing is very possible - ambiguous). 正确：这个方案很可行。(This proposal is very feasible.)

Finally, learners often struggle with the noun form 可行性. In English, we often use 'feasibility' as a standalone concept. In Chinese, it almost always needs a modifier. Instead of saying 'Let's check feasibility,' you should say 'Let's check the plan's feasibility' (检查方案的可行性). Without the specific subject, the sentence feels incomplete to a native speaker.

不可行！我们没有足够的资源。(Bù kěxíng! Wǒmen méiyǒu zúgòu de zīyuán.)

Translation: Not feasible! We don't have enough resources.

To enrich your Chinese vocabulary, it is helpful to compare 可行 (kěxíng) with its synonyms and near-synonyms. Each has a slightly different nuance and register (level of formality).

行得通 (xíng de tōng): More colloquial. Literally 'can walk through.' Used in daily speech to say a plan will work. (e.g., 这个办法行得通。)
办得到 (bàn de dào): Focuses on the ability of a person to complete a task. 'Kěxíng' is about the plan; 'bàn de dào' is about the executioner.
现实 (xiànshí): 'Realistic.' Focuses on whether an idea aligns with the current reality. A plan might be 'kěxíng' technically but not 'xiànshí' due to political reasons.
实际 (shíjì): 'Practical.' Often used to describe a person's character or a solution that avoids unnecessary complexity.

On the opposite side, 不可行 (unfeasible) can be replaced by more descriptive terms. For example, if a plan is absurd, you might call it 荒谬 (huāngmiù). If it is simply impossible to achieve, you could say 做不到 (zuò bù dào). However, 不可行 remains the most professional way to reject a proposal in a formal setting.

虽然这个主意很有创意，但并不实际。(Suīrán zhège zhǔyì hěn yǒu chuàngyì, dàn bìng bù shíjì.)

Translation: Although this idea is very creative, it is not practical.

In academic writing, you might also see 成立 (chénglì), which means 'to hold water' or 'to be valid.' For example, '这个论点是成立的' (This argument is valid). While 'kěxíng' is about action, 'chénglì' is about logic and theory. Choosing the right word depends entirely on whether you are talking about doing something or proving something.

这个项目在经济上是可行的。(Zhège xiàngmù zài jīngjì shàng shì kěxíng de.)

Translation: This project is economically feasible.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '行' is one of the most versatile in Chinese. In its 'xíng' pronunciation, it's about movement. In its 'háng' pronunciation, it's about rows or specialized businesses (like banks - yínháng).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kəʊ ʃɪŋ/

US /koʊ ʃɪŋ/

Both syllables carry equal weight, but the tones must be clear: 3rd tone (kě) and 2nd tone (xíng).

Rhymes With

明 (míng) 听 (tīng) 情 (qíng) 定 (dìng) 平 (píng) 经 (jīng) 应 (yīng) 成 (chéng)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'xíng' as 'háng' (which is the other pronunciation for this character, meaning 'bank' or 'row').
Using a flat tone for 'kě' instead of the dipping 3rd tone.
Muffling the 'x' sound to sound like a hard 's' or 'sh'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize characters, but context matters for nuances.

Writing 4/5

Requires remembering the 'shì...de' structure and noun form 'xìng'.

Speaking 3/5

Tones are important; 'xíng' is a common character with multiple sounds.

Listening 3/5

Easily confused with 'kěyǐ' or 'kěnéng' if listening quickly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

可以可能行计划办法

Learn Next

方案评估论证实施研究

Advanced

审视匮乏辩证路径障碍

Grammar to Know

The 'shì...de' (是...的) structure for adjectives.

这个方案是可行的。

The suffix '-xìng' (性) to turn adjectives into abstract nouns.

可行性 (Feasibility)

Using 'zài...shàng' (在...上) to specify the domain.

在技术上可行 (Technically feasible)

Negative 'bù' (不) placement for adjectives.

不可行 (Unfeasible)

Using 'de' (的) to link adjectives to nouns.

一个可行的建议 (A feasible suggestion)

Examples by Level

行不行？

Is it okay?

Simple 'X bù X' question structure.

这样行吗？

Is this way okay?

Using 'xíng' as a verb meaning 'to be okay'.

他不来，行吗？

He isn't coming, is that okay?

Checking for agreement.

我看，这行。

I think this works.

Simple declarative use of 'xíng'.

明天五点行吗？

Is tomorrow at 5:00 okay?

Time expression + xíng ma.

不行，太贵了。

No, it is too expensive.

Negation 'bù xíng'.

北京行，上海也行。

Beijing is okay, Shanghai is also okay.

Using 'yě' with 'xíng'.

你行，我也行。

If you can do it, I can do it.

Subject + xíng.

这个方法可行。

This method is feasible.

Introduction of 'kěxíng' as an adjective.

你的计划不可行。

Your plan is not feasible.

Using 'bù kěxíng' for negation.

这个办法很可行。

This method is very feasible.

Using 'hěn' as a degree adverb.

如果可行，请告诉我。

If it is feasible, please tell me.

Conditional 'rúguǒ' clause.

我们找一个可行的办法吧。

Let's find a feasible method.

Attributive use with 'de' modifying 'bànfǎ'.

这个建议不可行吗？

Is this suggestion not feasible?

Interrogative form with 'ma'.

我觉得这样比较可行。

I think this is more feasible.

Using 'bǐjiào' for comparison.

时间上不可行。

It's not feasible in terms of time.

Noun + shàng (in terms of) + kěxíng.

这个方案是可行的。

This proposal is feasible.

The 'shì... de' construction for emphasis.

我们需要评估可行性。

We need to evaluate the feasibility.

Introduction of the noun 'kěxíngxìng'.

专家认为这个项目可行。

Experts believe this project is feasible.

Subject (experts) + verb (think) + object clause.

这在理论上是可行的。

This is feasible in theory.

Using 'zài lǐlùn shàng' (in theory).

由于资金不足，这个计划不可行。

Due to insufficient funds, this plan is not feasible.

Causal 'yóuyú' clause.

你觉得这个建议的可行性高吗？

Do you think the feasibility of this suggestion is high?

Using 'gāo' (high) with 'kěxíngxìng'.

我们要先做可行性分析。

We need to do a feasibility analysis first.

Compound noun 'kěxíngxìng fēnxī'.

该技术目前还不可行。

This technology is not yet feasible at present.

Using 'mùqián' (at present) and 'hái' (yet).

我们必须提交一份可行性报告。

We must submit a feasibility report.

Formal workplace requirement.

从技术角度看，这是完全可行的。

From a technical perspective, this is completely feasible.

Using 'cóng... jiǎodù kàn' (from the perspective of).

这个项目的经济可行性值得怀疑。

The economic feasibility of this project is worth doubting.

Using 'zhíde huáiyí' (worth doubting).

这种方法在实践中被证明是可行的。

This method was proven feasible in practice.

Passive structure 'bèi zhèngmíng' (was proven).

如果该方案不可行，我们有备份计划。

If the proposal is not feasible, we have a backup plan.

Strategic conditional sentence.

我们需要重新审视这个计划的可行性。

We need to re-examine the feasibility of this plan.

Using 'chóngxīn shěnshì' (re-examine).

该政策的可行性受到了广泛质疑。

The feasibility of the policy has been widely questioned.

Formal passive voice 'shòudào... zhìyí'.

为了确保可行，我们做了多次测试。

To ensure feasibility, we conducted multiple tests.

Purpose clause 'wèile quèbǎo'.

该研究旨在探讨远程医疗的可行性。

This study aims to explore the feasibility of telemedicine.

Academic 'zhǐzài' (aims to) structure.

考虑到环境因素，该工程并不具有可行性。

Considering environmental factors, this project is not feasible.

Using 'jùyǒu' (to possess) with 'kěxíngxìng'.

我们需要对方案的可行性进行深度论证。

We need to conduct a deep demonstration of the proposal's feasibility.

Using 'jìnxíng' (to carry out) + 'lùnzhèng' (demonstration/argument).

其可行性取决于多种不确定因素。

Its feasibility depends on various uncertain factors.

Using 'qǔjué yú' (depends on).

法律上的不可行性是该项目最大的障碍。

Legal unfeasibility is the biggest obstacle for this project.

Abstract noun as a subject.

这种商业模式在当前的经济环境下仍具可行性。

This business model is still feasible in the current economic environment.

Using 'réng jù' (still possesses).

专家组对项目的技术可行性给出了正面评估。

The expert group gave a positive evaluation of the project's technical feasibility.

Complex noun phrase as an object.

我们必须在可行性与成本之间寻找平衡。

We must find a balance between feasibility and cost.

Using 'zhījiān' (between) for comparison.

该论文系统地分析了碳中和目标的可行性路径。

The paper systematically analyzes feasible paths for carbon neutrality goals.

High-level academic 'xìtǒng de' (systematically).

尽管初衷良好，但其操作层面的可行性匮乏。

Despite good intentions, its feasibility at the operational level is lacking.

Using 'kuìfá' (to be deficient/lacking).

论证过程严密，充分证明了该方案的科学可行性。

The demonstration process was rigorous, fully proving the scientific feasibility of the proposal.

Using 'yánmì' (rigorous) and 'chōngfèn' (fully).

在缺乏数据支持的情况下，很难断定其可行性。

In the absence of data support, it is difficult to determine its feasibility.

Using 'duàndìng' (to conclude/determine).

该提案因缺乏政治可行性而被无限期搁置。

The proposal was shelved indefinitely due to a lack of political feasibility.

Using 'gēzhì' (to shelve/put aside).

我们应当辩证地看待这些新兴技术的可行性。

We should view the feasibility of these emerging technologies dialectically.

Using 'biànzhèng de' (dialectically).

可行性研究的深度直接影响到决策的准确性。

The depth of the feasibility study directly affects the accuracy of decision-making.

Correlative structure '...zhíjiē yǐngxiǎng...'.

该项目的可行性建立在多方合作的基础之上。

The feasibility of the project is built upon the foundation of multi-party cooperation.

Using 'jiànlì zài... jīchǔ zhī shàng' (built upon the foundation of).

Synonyms

现实可能通达易行

Antonyms

荒谬难行不可行

Common Collocations

可行性研究

方案可行

技术可行性

经济可行性

完全可行

并不可行

具有可行性

可行性报告

操作可行性

逻辑可行

Common Phrases

可行性分析

— Feasibility analysis. A formal process to evaluate a project.

可行性分析是项目的第一步。

这事儿可行

— This thing is doable. A more casual spoken version.

我觉得这事儿可行，咱们试试。

如果可行的话

— If it is feasible. Used to introduce a suggestion politely.

如果可行的话，我想请个假。

不可行因素

— Unfeasible factors. Reasons why something won't work.

我们要分析所有的不可行因素。

论证可行性

— To demonstrate/prove feasibility.

我们需要花时间论证其可行性。

初步可行性

— Preliminary feasibility. Early stage evaluation.

这只是一个初步可行性研究。

法律可行性

— Legal feasibility. Whether something is allowed by law.

我们要请律师检查法律可行性。

政治可行性

— Political feasibility. Whether a policy can be passed.

该政策缺乏政治可行性。

高度可行

— Highly feasible. Very likely to work.

这是一个高度可行的方案。

理论可行性

— Theoretical feasibility. Works on paper but maybe not in real life.

我们不能只看理论可行性。

Often Confused With

可行 vs 可能 (kěnéng)

Means 'possible' (probability). 'Kěxíng' means 'feasible' (practicality).

可行 vs 可以 (kěyǐ)

Means 'can/may' (permission or general ability). 'Kěxíng' is specific to plans.

可行 vs 行 (háng)

The same character, but pronounced differently, meaning 'bank' or 'row'.

Idioms & Expressions

"行之有效"

— Effective in practice. Describes a method that has been proven to work well.

这是一个行之有效的方法。

Formal

"势在必行"

— Must be done. Describes something that is inevitable and necessary.

改革已经势在必行。

Formal

"并行不悖"

— To run parallel without conflict. Doing two feasible things at once.

这两项政策可以并行不悖。

Literary

"言出必行"

— To do what one says. Feasibility in terms of personal integrity.

他是一个言出必行的人。

Neutral

"雷厉风行"

— To act with vigorous speed. Fast implementation of a feasible plan.

他办事雷厉风行。

Neutral

"顺理成章"

— To follow logically. A plan that is so feasible it seems natural.

这个结果是顺理成章的。

Neutral

"百发百中"

— Every shot hits the target. A method that is so feasible it never fails.

他的预测百发百中。

Idiomatic

"万无一失"

— No possibility of error. A perfectly feasible and safe plan.

这个计划万无一失。

Neutral

"水到渠成"

— When conditions are ripe, success comes. Success through natural feasibility.

只要努力，成功自会水到渠成。

Literary

"实事求是"

— To seek truth from facts. The attitude needed for evaluating feasibility.

我们要实事求是地评估项目。

Formal/Political

Easily Confused

可行 vs 可能

Both start with 'kě' and relate to things that might happen.

'Kěnéng' is about whether something WILL happen (probability). 'Kěxíng' is about whether something CAN BE DONE (practicality).

明天可能会下雨 (It might rain tomorrow). 这个计划是可行的 (This plan is feasible).

可行 vs 可以

Both imply 'can'.

'Kěyǐ' is very broad (permission, skill, suggestion). 'Kěxíng' is a formal evaluation of a method's viability.

你可以去吗？ (Can you go?). 这个建议可行吗？ (Is this suggestion feasible?)

可行 vs 行得通

They mean exactly the same thing.

'Xíng de tōng' is idiomatic and common in speech. 'Kěxíng' is formal and preferred in writing.

这办法行得通。(This way works.)

可行 vs 现实

Both evaluate the quality of an idea.

'Xiànshí' means 'realistic' (aligned with current facts). 'Kěxíng' means 'feasible' (can be executed).

这个梦想不现实。(This dream is unrealistic.)

可行 vs 实际

Both relate to 'practice'.

'Shíjì' is an adjective meaning 'practical' or a noun meaning 'reality'. 'Kěxíng' is strictly an adjective for feasibility.

我们要考虑实际情况。(We must consider the actual situation.)

Sentence Patterns

这个[计划/办法]可行。

这个办法可行。

[方案]是可行的。

这个方案是可行的。

[方案]的可行性很高。

这个方案的可行性很高。

从[角度]看，这是可行的。

从技术角度看，这是可行的。

我们需要评估[项目]的可行性。

我们需要评估项目的可行性。

该研究探讨了[主题]的可行性。

该研究探讨了远程教育的可行性。

[方案]具有很强的可行性。

该方案具有很强的可行性。

[前提]是保证可行性的基础。

数据准确性是保证可行性的基础。

Word Family

Nouns

可行性 (kěxíngxìng) - feasibility

行径 (xíngjìng) - behavior/path

行动 (xíngdòng) - action

Verbs

实行 (shíxíng) - to implement

执行 (zhíxíng) - to execute

进行 (jìnxíng) - to carry out

Adjectives

可行的 (kěxíng de) - feasible

可观的 (kěguān de) - considerable

可靠的 (kěkào de) - reliable

可以 (kěyǐ)

可能 (kěnéng)

办法 (bànfǎ)

方案 (fāng'àn)

计划 (jìhuà)

How to Use It

frequency

Highly frequent in professional, academic, and news contexts.

Common Mistakes

他是一个很可行的人。 → 他是一个很有能力的人。
'可行' describes plans, not people.
明天可行会下雨。 → 明天可能会下雨。
'可行' is not for probability/weather. Use '可能'.
我可行去北京吗？ → 我可以去北京吗？
'可行' is not used for personal permission. Use '可以'.
这是一个可行计划。 → 这是一个可行的计划。
When using '可行' to modify a noun directly, you usually need '的'.
我们要分析可行。 → 我们要分析可行性。
You need the noun form '可行性' when it is the object of '分析'.

Tips

Add '性' for Nouns

Whenever you want to talk about 'feasibility' as a concept, add the character '性' (xìng) to the end of '可行' to make it '可行性'.

Business Essential

If you are working in China, learn the phrase '可行性研究' (feasibility study). It is the bread and butter of project management.

Use with '方案'

'可行' pairs perfectly with the word '方案' (fāng'àn - proposal/scheme). It's one of the most common collocations.

Can + Walk

Remember the literal meaning: 'Can walk.' If a plan can 'walk' (move forward), it is feasible.

Distinguish from 'Possible'

Don't use '可行' for weather or luck. Only use it for things that require a plan or a method.

Tone Accuracy

Make sure the 2nd tone on 'xíng' is clear and rising. If it's too flat, it might be confused with other words.

Academic Tone

In essays, use '具有可行性' (possesses feasibility) instead of just '是可行的' to sound more professional.

Professional Rejection

Use '不可行' to reject an idea professionally. It sounds objective rather than personal.

Pragmatism

Using '可行' shows you value pragmatism, a highly respected trait in Chinese business culture.

Word Family

Connect '可行' to other 'kě-' words like '可靠' (reliable) and '可爱' (cute) to see the pattern of 'kě' meaning 'able to be X'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Kě' as a 'Key' and 'Xíng' as 'X-ing' (crossing) a bridge. If you have the Key, crossing the bridge is feasible!

Visual Association

Imagine a green traffic light. Green means 'go' (xíng) and it 'can' (kě) happen. A green light is the symbol of feasibility.

Word Web

可行计划方案研究报告技术经济分析

Challenge

Try to use '可行' in three different sentences today: one about a weekend plan, one about a work project, and one about a personal goal.

Word Origin

The word '可行' combines two ancient Chinese characters. '可' (kě) originally depicted a person's voice or breath, later meaning 'to approve' or 'can.' '行' (xíng) originally depicted a crossroad, representing walking or a path.

Original meaning: Literally 'can walk' or 'can be a path.' It implied that a road was open and passable.

Sino-Tibetan, Chinese.

Cultural Context

There are no major sensitivities, but avoid saying '你不可行' to a person as it sounds like you are judging their entire existence rather than just their idea.

English speakers often use 'doable' or 'workable' in casual contexts, but 'feasible' in formal ones. '可行' covers both but leans toward the formal side.

可行性研究报告 (Standard title for billions of project documents in China). The 'Five-Year Plans' of China always involve extensive 'kěxíngxìng' analysis. Commonly used in Chinese TED-style talks (like Yixi) to discuss social innovations.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business Meeting

评估可行性
可行性报告
方案可行
由于成本问题，不可行

Academic Research

可行性分析
在理论上可行
研究的可行性
技术上的不可行性

Project Management

初步可行性研究
操作可行性
确保可行
论证可行性

Daily Planning

这办法可行
如果可行的话
时间上可行吗？
我觉得不可行

Policy Discussion

法律可行性
政治可行性
社会可行性
具有广泛的可行性

Conversation Starters

"你觉得这个新计划的可行性怎么样？ (What do you think about the feasibility of this new plan?)"

"如果这个方案不可行，你还有别的建议吗？ (If this proposal isn't feasible, do you have other suggestions?)"

"我们需要先做一个可行性分析，你同意吗？ (We need to do a feasibility analysis first, do you agree?)"

"从你的专业角度来看，这个技术可行吗？ (From your professional perspective, is this technology feasible?)"

"在目前的经济环境下，这个项目还可行吗？ (In the current economic environment, is this project still feasible?)"

Journal Prompts

写一写你最近的一个目标。这个目标可行吗？为什么？ (Write about a recent goal. Is it feasible? Why?)

描述一个你曾经认为不可行但最后成功了的计划。 (Describe a plan you once thought was unfeasible but eventually succeeded.)

如果你是一家公司的经理，你会如何评估一个新产品的可行性？ (If you were a manager, how would you evaluate the feasibility of a new product?)

讨论一下保护环境的各种方法及其可行性。 (Discuss various methods of environmental protection and their feasibility.)

你认为在火星上建立人类基地在未来五十年内可行吗？ (Do you think building a human base on Mars is feasible within the next fifty years?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should not use '可行' to describe a person's character or ability. It is used for plans, methods, and ideas. If you want to say a person is capable, use '能干' (nénggàn) or '有能力' (yǒu nénglì).

'可能' (kěnéng) means 'possible' or 'maybe'—it's about the chance of something happening. '可行' (kěxíng) means 'feasible'—it's about whether a plan is practical and can be carried out. For example, it is 'possible' to win the lottery, but it's not a 'feasible' financial plan.

Yes, it is extremely common in business, government, and academia. Every major project requires a '可行性研究报告' (Feasibility Study Report) before it can be approved.

The most common way is '不可行' (bù kěxíng). You can also say '不太可行' (not very feasible) to be more polite.

Use '行得通' (xíng de tōng) in casual, spoken Chinese with friends or colleagues. Use '可行' (kěxíng) in formal writing, speeches, or official meetings.

Yes, '技术可行性' (technical feasibility) is a standard term used to discuss whether a certain technology can be built or used for a specific purpose.

It means 'feasibility analysis.' It is the process of studying a project to see if it is worth doing and if it will succeed.

Yes, it is considered a neutral-to-formal word. It is much more formal than '行' or '可以'.

Yes, the character '行' can be pronounced 'háng' when it refers to a row, a profession, or a bank (银行 - yínháng). In '可行', it is always 'xíng'.

Simply put the subject first, then 'shì', then 'kěxíng', and finally 'de'. For example: '这个方法是可行的' (This method is feasible).