Impossible signifies that something cannot occur, exist, or be achieved under any circumstances.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Expresses absolute impossibility.
- Cannot happen, exist, or be done.
- Used for zero probability or illogical events.
Overview
“不可能”是一个汉语词语，用来表达某件事情完全不能发生、存在或完成。它强调的是一种绝对的否定，表示事情的发生概率为零，或者违背了事物发展的规律、逻辑或客观条件。在日常交流中，“不可能”常常用来表达失望、惊讶或者对某事的怀疑。
“不可能”通常用作谓语、定语或状语。作为谓语时，可以直接跟在主语后面，例如“这样做是不可能的”。作为定语时，通常放在名词前面，例如“这是一个不可能完成的任务”。作为状语时，可以放在句首或句中，用来修饰整个句子或动词，例如“他不可能知道这件事”。
这个词语常见于日常对话、新闻报道、文学作品等多种场合。在日常对话中，人们会用它来评论某件事是否可行，例如“你这么晚才来，肯定是赶不上了，这太不可能了！”。在新闻报道中，它可能用于描述某个事件发生的概率极低，或者某个传闻不属实。在文学作品中，它常用于塑造人物性格或营造戏剧冲突。
与“不可能”相似的词语包括“难以”、“不可能”、“办不到”、“不行”等。“难以”表示事情不容易做到，但并非绝对不可能，例如“这个任务很难，但并非不可能完成”。“不可能”与“难以”相比，语气更绝对。“办不到”和“不行”则更侧重于能力或允许的层面，例如“我办不到这件事”或“这样做不行”。“不可能”则是一种更广泛的否定，涵盖了逻辑、事实、可能性等多个方面。
Examples
你这么晚才到，肯定赶不上火车了，这太不可能了！
informalYou arrived so late, you definitely can't catch the train. This is impossible!
在没有氧气的环境下，生命是不可能存在的。
academicIn an environment without oxygen, life cannot exist.
别做梦了，他不可能把这笔钱都给你。
informalStop dreaming, he's impossible to give you all that money.
想要在一年内掌握一门新语言并且达到母语水平，这几乎是不可能的。
neutralWanting to master a new language in one year and reach native-level fluency is almost impossible.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
这不可能！
This is impossible!
怎么可能？
How is this possible?
这绝对不可能。
This is absolutely impossible.
Often Confused With
'难以' (nányǐ) means 'difficult to', implying that something is hard to do but still possible. '不可能' (bù kěnéng) means 'impossible', indicating that something cannot be done at all.
'不一定' (bù yīdìng) means 'not necessarily' or 'uncertain', suggesting that something might or might not happen. '不可能' is a definitive negation.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '不可能' is a strong negation used to express absolute impossibility. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but its definitive nature should be considered when speaking to avoid sounding overly dismissive. It is often used to express surprise, doubt, or to state a factual impossibility.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '不可能' with '难以' (difficult) or '不一定' (not necessarily). Remember that '不可能' signifies zero possibility, whereas the others allow for some degree of possibility or difficulty.
Tips
Emphasize Absolute Negation
Use '不可能' to strongly state that something is completely unachievable or untrue.
Avoid Overuse
While strong, overuse can make your statements sound overly negative or dismissive.
Expressing Disbelief
In Chinese culture, '不可能' can be used to express polite disbelief or surprise rather than outright rejection.
Word Origin
The word is composed of '不' (bù), meaning 'not' or 'no', and '可能' (kěnéng), meaning 'possible' or 'likely'. The combination directly translates to 'not possible'.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, directly stating something is 'impossible' can sometimes be perceived as blunt. Depending on the situation, softer phrasing might be preferred in sensitive contexts, although '不可能' is standard for factual impossibilities.
Memory Tip
Think of '不' (no) and '可能' (possible). Together, they directly mean 'not possible', reinforcing the idea of impossibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“很难”表示事情做起来有难度，但还是有可能成功的。而“不可能”则表示事情完全无法做到，没有成功的可能。
“不可能”可以用作谓语、定语或状语。例如：“这事不可能。”（谓语）“这是不可能的决定。”（定语）“他不可能不知道。”（状语）
当你认为某件事完全不合逻辑、违背事实、或者客观条件不允许发生时，就可以使用“不可能”。
“不可能”的语气通常是绝对的、否定的，有时也带有些许惊讶或不相信的意味。
Test Yourself
他昨天才开始学，今天就想流利地说中文，这简直是__________。
句子表达了对某事发生的极低概率或完全不合逻辑的看法，因此“不可能”是最合适的词。
下列哪句话表达了事情完全无法实现的意思？
“不可能完成”直接表达了事情完全无法实现的意思，语气最绝对。
用“不可能”和“成功”造句。
“他不可能成功”是一个完整且符合语法习惯的句子，表达了对某人能否成功的否定。
Score: /3
Summary
Impossible signifies that something cannot occur, exist, or be achieved under any circumstances.
- Expresses absolute impossibility.
- Cannot happen, exist, or be done.
- Used for zero probability or illogical events.
Emphasize Absolute Negation
Use '不可能' to strongly state that something is completely unachievable or untrue.
Avoid Overuse
While strong, overuse can make your statements sound overly negative or dismissive.
Expressing Disbelief
In Chinese culture, '不可能' can be used to express polite disbelief or surprise rather than outright rejection.
Examples
4 of 4你这么晚才到，肯定赶不上火车了，这太不可能了！
You arrived so late, you definitely can't catch the train. This is impossible!
在没有氧气的环境下，生命是不可能存在的。
In an environment without oxygen, life cannot exist.
别做梦了，他不可能把这笔钱都给你。
Stop dreaming, he's impossible to give you all that money.
想要在一年内掌握一门新语言并且达到母语水平，这几乎是不可能的。
Wanting to master a new language in one year and reach native-level fluency is almost impossible.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More academic words
缺席
B1The state of being absent from a place or event where one is expected to be, such as a class, meeting, or ceremony.
抽象的
A2Abstract.
抽象地
B1In an abstract manner; conceptually.
艰深
B1Profound; abstruse; recondite.
学术性
A2Academic; scholarly; relating to education and scholarship.
学术化
B1Academic; characterized by formal study or research.
学术会议
A2Academic conference; a formal meeting for academic discussions.
学术交流
B1Exchange of ideas, information, and research among scholars.
学术期刊
B1A periodical publication containing scholarly articles.
教务处
A2Academic affairs office; department handling educational administration.
