bù kěnéng: 不可能 - Impossible
Quick Summary
Keywords: bukeneng, 不可能, impossible in Chinese, how to say impossible in Mandarin, buke neng, Chinese for impossible, no way in Chinese, not possible, bu keneng
Summary: Learn how to use “不可能” (bù kěnéng), the most direct way to say “impossible” in Mandarin Chinese. This page breaks down the characters, explores its cultural nuances, and provides dozens of practical examples. Discover when to use this firm expression and when to opt for softer alternatives to avoid sounding rude. Perfect for beginners wanting to express impossibility and disbelief like a native speaker.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): bù kěnéng
Part of Speech: Adjective / Adverbial phrase
HSK Level: HSK 3
Concise Definition: It is impossible; not possible.
In a Nutshell: “不可能” is the straightforward and standard way to express that something is impossible in Chinese. It's formed by adding the negative particle “不” (bù - not) to the word “可能” (kěnéng - possible). It's a strong, clear-cut term used to state that a situation, action, or idea is simply not feasible, cannot happen, or is unbelievable. Think of it as the direct equivalent of “impossible,” “no way,” or “out of the question.”
Character Breakdown
不 (bù): This is the fundamental character for negation in Chinese, meaning “not” or “no.”
可 (kě): This character means “can,” “able to,” or “may.” It often implies permission or potential.
能 (néng): This character also means “can” or “to be able to,” but it often relates more to an inherent ability, skill, or physical capacity.
When 可 (kě) and 能 (néng) combine, they form 可能 (kěnéng), meaning “possible,” “potential,” or “maybe.” Adding 不 (bù) at the beginning directly negates this concept, creating the unambiguous meaning of “not possible” or “impossible.”
Cultural Context and Significance
While Chinese communication can often be indirect to preserve harmony and face, “不可能” stands out as a remarkably direct and blunt term. Its usage highlights a key cultural difference from the aspirational “nothing is impossible” mindset often found in the West.
In American culture, declaring something “impossible” can sometimes be interpreted as a challenge or a lack of imagination. In a Chinese context, “不可能” is more often a pragmatic statement of fact or a firm, non-negotiable boundary. It is used to shut down unrealistic proposals, correct misinformation, or express sincere disbelief. It's less about a pessimistic outlook and more about a realistic assessment of constraints, resources, or the laws of nature. Saying “不可能” isn't an invitation to prove you wrong; it's usually the final word on the matter.
Practical Usage in Modern China
“不可能” is a high-frequency word used in virtually all settings, from casual chats to business negotiations.
As a Standalone Exclamation: When you hear something unbelievable or outrageous, a sharp “不可能!” works just like “No way!” or “Impossible!” in English.
Rejecting a Request: It's used to firmly deny a request that cannot be met. For example, if a client asks for a project to be finished in one day, the response might be, “对不起，这不可能。(Sorry, that's impossible.)”
Expressing Disbelief: If a friend tells you they saw a celebrity on the subway, you might say, “不可能吧？他怎么会坐地铁？(No way, right? Why would he take the subway?)” The addition of “吧 (ba)” softens the disbelief slightly.
Stating a Fact: It can be used to state objective truths, like “人类不可能在水下呼吸。(It's impossible for humans to breathe underwater.)”
The tone can vary greatly with intonation. A calm, level “不可能” is a neutral statement of fact. An emphatic, loud “不可能!” is a strong expression of disbelief or refusal.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
你想一天之内学好中文？那不可能。
Pinyin: Nǐ xiǎng yī tiān zhī nèi xué hǎo Zhōngwén? Nà bù kěnéng.
English: You want to learn Chinese well in one day? That's impossible.
Analysis: A very common and straightforward use of “不可能” to state that a goal is unrealistic.
Example 2:
A: 我听说老板要给我们每人发一万块奖金。 (Wǒ tīngshuō lǎobǎn yào gěi wǒmen měi rén fā yī wàn kuài jiǎngjīn.)
B: 不可能！你从哪儿听说的？ ( Bù kěnéng! Nǐ cóng nǎr tīngshuō de?)
English: A: I heard the boss is giving each of us a 10,000 yuan bonus. B: No way! Where did you hear that?
Analysis: Here, “不可能” is used as a standalone exclamation to express strong disbelief about a piece of gossip.
Example 3:
这个价格不可能，太低了。
Pinyin: Zhège jiàgé bù kěnéng, tài dī le.
English: This price is impossible, it's too low.
Analysis: A classic phrase used in bargaining. It's a firm but common way to reject an offer.
Example 4:
除非有奇迹，否则我们不可能按时完成了。
Pinyin: Chúfēi yǒu qíjì, fǒuzé wǒmen bù kěnéng ànshí wánchéng le.
English: Unless there's a miracle, it's impossible for us to finish on time.
Analysis: This sentence structure (“除非… 否则…”) shows how “不可能” fits into more complex logical statements.
Example 5:
让他承认错误是不可能的。
Pinyin: Ràng tā chéngrèn cuòwù shì bù kěnéng de.
English: Getting him to admit his mistake is impossible.
Analysis: The structure “…是…的” is used here to emphasize the entire phrase “getting him to admit his mistake” as the thing that is impossible.
Example 6:
我觉得这不可能是真的。
Pinyin: Wǒ juéde zhè bù kěnéng shì zhēn de.
English: I feel that this can't possibly be true.
Analysis: “觉得 (juéde)” softens the statement, framing it as a personal feeling or opinion rather than an absolute fact.
Example 7:
世界上没有不可能的事，只要你努力。
Pinyin: Shìjiè shàng méiyǒu bù kěnéng de shì, zhǐyào nǐ nǔlì.
English: There is nothing impossible in the world, as long as you work hard.
Analysis: This is the Chinese equivalent of “nothing is impossible.” It's an inspirational phrase that directly counters the term itself.
Example 8:
要在这么短的时间内找到解决方案，几乎是不可能的。
Pinyin: Yào zài zhème duǎn de shíjiān nèi zhǎodào jiějué fāng'àn, jīhū shì bù kěnéng de.
English: To find a solution in such a short amount of time is almost impossible.
Analysis: The adverb “几乎 (jīhū - almost)” is used to qualify “不可能”, making the statement slightly less absolute.
Example 9:
他不可能还不知道这个消息。
Pinyin: Tā bù kěnéng hái bù zhīdào zhège xiāoxi.
English: It's impossible that he still doesn't know this news.
Analysis: This demonstrates using “不可能” to express a strong assumption about a situation based on logical deduction.
Example 10:
这听起来完全不可能，但它确实发生了。
Pinyin: Zhè tīng qǐlái wánquán bù kěnéng, dàn tā quèshí fāshēng le.
English: This sounds completely impossible, but it really happened.
Analysis: “完全 (wánquán - completely)” is used here to emphasize the degree of impossibility.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
Being Too Blunt: The biggest mistake for learners is using “不可能” when a softer refusal is more appropriate. In situations requiring politeness (e.g., declining an invitation from a superior), “不可能” can sound harsh and dismissive.
Incorrect: (Your boss invites you to dinner, but you have plans) “对不起，我不可能去。(Sorry, it's impossible for me to go.)” - This sounds rude.
Correct: “真不好意思，我那天已经有安排了。(So sorry, I already have other plans that day.)” or “恐怕不行，我… (I'm afraid I can't, I…)”
Confusing “不可能” (bù kěnéng) and “不会” (bú huì):
可能 (kěnéng) - The direct antonym: “possible,” “maybe,” “potential.”
办不到 (bàn bu dào) - “Cannot be done.” A very close synonym, but it focuses more specifically on the inability to accomplish a task.
绝对 (juéduì) - “Absolutely.” Often paired with “不可能” to create the emphatic phrase
绝对不可能 (juéduì bù kěnéng), meaning “absolutely impossible.”
不行 (bùxíng) - “Not okay,” “won't do,” “no.” A very common and direct refusal, but often refers to permission or whether something works, whereas “不可能” refers to feasibility.
没门儿 (méi ménr) - “No way!” or “Not a chance!” A very informal and colloquial slang term, literally meaning “no door.”
想都别想 (xiǎng dōu bié xiǎng) - “Don't even think about it.” A strong, informal phrase used to shoot down an idea immediately.
难说 (nánshuō) - “Hard to say.” Used for situations of uncertainty, falling between possible and impossible.
奇迹 (qíjì) - “Miracle.” A concept often invoked when something deemed “不可能” actually happens.