〜かねない
JLPT N2:might / risk doing
Warns that an undesirable outcome is genuinely possible: “might”, “could well” or “risks…”.
How to form it
- Add かねない to the ます-stem: 招きます becomes 招きかねない.
- The possible result is normally harmful, troubling or contrary to what is wanted.
Examples
このまま放っておくと大事故になりかねない。
If we leave it like this, it could lead to a major accident.
その説明は誤解を招きかねません。
That explanation may cause misunderstanding.
Common mistakes
- Reading the negative-looking かねない as “cannot”; 〜かねる has that meaning.
- Using it for an ordinary welcome possibility.
Same form, different meaning
- 〜かねるcannot / be unable to
かねる means someone cannot or is reluctant to do something.