Comparison of '估计' (gūjì) and '可能' (kěnéng)

Description

In Chinese, both '估计' (gūjì) and '可能' (kěnéng) express the idea of "possible" or "likely," but they are used in slightly different contexts.

估计 (gūjì)

'估计' (gūjì) means "to estimate" or "to guess" and is used when there is uncertainty about something, often based on personal judgment or calculation.

Examples with '估计'

• 他估计下个月会有更多的机会。(Tā gūjì xià gè yuè huì yǒu gèng duō de jīhuì.) - He estimates that there will be more opportunities next month.
• 我估计他会迟到。(Wǒ gūjì tā huì chídào.) - I estimate that he will be late.

可能 (kěnéng)

'可能' (kěnéng) means "possible" or "likely" and is used to indicate that something has a chance of happening or being true, without necessarily implying personal estimation or calculation.

Examples with '可能'

• 明天可能会下雨。(Míngtiān kěnéng huì xià yǔ.) - It may rain tomorrow.
• 她可能会来参加派对。(Tā kěnéng huì lái cānjiā pàiduì.) - She may come to the party.

Key Points

• '估计' (gūjì) means "to estimate" or "to guess" and is used when there is uncertainty, often based on personal judgment or calculation.
• '可能' (kěnéng) means "possible" or "likely" and indicates that something has a chance of happening or being true, without necessarily implying personal estimation or calculation.
• Both express the idea of "possible" or "likely," but '估计' (gūjì) involves personal estimation or calculation, while '可能' (kěnéng) indicates possibility or likelihood without specific estimation.