The most common way to say 'possible' in French is, unsurprisingly, 'possible'. But did you know there are many other nuanced ways to express this idea? Whether you're discussing plans, expressing uncertainty, or simply trying to expand your vocabulary, knowing these alternatives will make your French sound more natural and sophisticated. Let's dive into 9 different ways to say 'possible' in French, exploring their nuances and contexts!

The standard 'possible' - possible

The French word possible is a common adjective meaning 'possible' or 'feasible'.

The adjective possible is often invariable in common expressions like c'est possible (it's possible) or il est possible (it is possible). In these cases, its form does not change for gender or number. However, when possible directly modifies a noun (e.g., 'a possible solution'), it will agree in gender and number with that noun: une solution possible (a possible solution), des solutions possibles (possible solutions).

You'll encounter possible in both formal and informal contexts. It's a versatile word used to express potentiality or likelihood in everyday conversations as well as more structured discussions.

The most frequent way possible is used is in impersonal constructions, particularly with il est possible que and c'est possible.

When used with il est possible que, the verb in the subordinate clause must be in the subjunctive mood. For example, Il est possible qu'il vienne (It is possible that he comes/will come). When used alone or with c'est, it simply means 'it's possible' and doesn't require the subjunctive, e.g., C'est possible.

Consider these examples illustrating the rules: Il est possible que nous partions demain. (It's possible that we leave tomorrow.) Est-ce que c'est possible ? (Is it possible?) Oui, c'est possible. (Yes, it's possible.)

You'll often hear le plus possible (as much as possible), dès que possible (as soon as possible), and si possible (if possible). These fixed expressions highlight its utility and frequency.

Understanding possible is generally straightforward. The main point to remember is the subjunctive requirement after il est possible que. Otherwise, its meaning aligns closely with its English counterpart.

While possible is a direct translation, French speakers might sometimes use other phrases like peut-être (perhaps) or il se peut que (it may be that) to express similar ideas, adding variety to how possibility is conveyed.

💡 * C'est possible. (It's possible.)

Il est possible qu'il pleuve. (It's possible that it will rain.)

Je ferai de mon mieux, si possible. (I'll do my best, if possible.)

Venez dès que possible. (Come as soon as possible.)

Nous cherchons toutes les solutions possibles. (We are looking for all possible solutions.)

The common phrase 'it's possible' - c'est possible

The common phrase “it’s possible” – c'est possible

C'est possible is one of the most fundamental and frequently used phrases in French to express possibility. It directly translates to “it’s possible” or “it is possible.”

What makes c'est possible so convenient is its fixed structure. Unlike some other French expressions, it doesn’t require complex conjugations or agreement, making it very accessible for learners.

You'll use c'est possible in a wide range of everyday conversations to indicate that something can happen, might happen, or is feasible. It's perfect for expressing mild uncertainty or potential.

To express the opposite – “it’s not possible” – you simply add the negation ne...pas around est: Ce n'est pas possible. This is equally common and just as easy to form.

C'est possible can often stand alone as a complete response to a question about feasibility, or it can introduce a more detailed explanation of what might happen. For instance, if someone asks 'Pouvons-nous y arriver à temps ?' (Can we get there on time?), a simple 'Oui, c'est possible' (Yes, it's possible) is a perfectly natural reply.

While il est possible also means 'it's possible,' c'est possible is generally more common and idiomatic in everyday conversation, particularly when referring to a general situation or idea rather than a specific impersonal statement. Think of c'est possible as the more flexible, all-purpose option.

💡 * C'est possible de venir demain ? (Is it possible to come tomorrow?)

Oui, c'est possible. (Yes, it's possible.)

Ce n'est pas possible de finir ça aujourd'hui. (It's not possible to finish that today.)

Est-ce que tu penses que c'est possible ? (Do you think it's possible?)

Avec de la chance, c'est possible. (With a bit of luck, it's possible.)

The formal 'it is possible that' - il est possible que

To express the idea of 'it is possible that' in a more formal or nuanced way in French, you will often encounter the phrase il est possible que.

This construction is more formal than simply saying C'est possible que... (which is less common and often avoided) or using other modal verbs like pouvoir. It implies a degree of uncertainty or a considered possibility.

The most important rule when using il est possible que is that the verb in the dependent clause must be in the subjunctive mood.

This is because expressions of possibility, doubt, desire, and emotion in French typically trigger the subjunctive. Il est possible que indicates a subjective assessment of possibility, rather than a certainty, thus requiring this mood.

The structure is straightforward: il est possible que + subject + verb in the present subjunctive (or past subjunctive, depending on the tense of the action).

It's important to differentiate il est possible que (which takes the subjunctive) from il est probable que (which takes the indicative). While both express likelihood, possible implies a potential outcome, whereas probable suggests a higher degree of certainty.

💡 * Il est possible qu'il vienne demain. (It is possible that he will come tomorrow.)

Il est possible que nous allions au cinéma ce soir. (It is possible that we will go to the cinema tonight.)

Il est possible qu'elle soit en retard. (It is possible that she is late.)

Il est possible que vous n'ayez pas compris. (It is possible that you haven't understood.)

Il est possible qu'ils finissent le projet à temps. (It is possible that they will finish the project on time.)

The 'feasible' or 'achievable' - réalisable

The “feasible” or “achievable” – réalisable

Réalisable is a French adjective that translates to “feasible,” “achievable,” or “doable” in English. It describes something that can be accomplished or put into practice.

As an adjective, réalisable agrees in number with the noun it modifies. It does not change for gender, meaning it remains the same for both masculine and feminine nouns (e.g., un projet réalisable, une idée réalisable).

Use réalisable to describe plans, goals, projects, or tasks that are considered practical and within the realm of possibility, often implying that the necessary resources or conditions are present.

💡 * Ce plan est parfaitement réalisable. (This plan is perfectly feasible.)

L'objectif semble réalisable avec les ressources dont nous disposons. (The objective seems achievable with the resources we have.)

Est-ce que cette idée est vraiment réalisable ? (Is this idea really doable?)

Nous avons besoin de solutions réalisables et non de rêves. (We need feasible solutions, not dreams.)

C'est une tâche réalisable si nous travaillons ensemble. (It's an achievable task if we work together.)

The 'conceivable' or 'imaginable' - envisageable

The 'conceivable' or 'imaginable' - envisageable

Envisageable is a versatile French adjective that translates to 'conceivable,' 'imaginable,' or 'foreseeable.' It describes something that can be considered, thought about, or planned for.

It's frequently used to discuss possibilities, potential scenarios, or plans that are within the realm of what can be envisioned or considered. It implies a degree of feasibility or at least mental constructibility.

While similar to possible (possible), envisageable often carries a stronger sense of being actively thought about or brought into consideration, rather than just merely existing as a potential outcome. It suggests a more active process of contemplation.

As an adjective, envisageable agrees in number with the noun it modifies. For example, une solution envisageable (a conceivable solution) or des options envisageables (conceivable options).

Mastering envisageable allows you to express ideas that are not just possible, but also within the scope of what can be seriously considered or planned, adding a sophisticated touch to your French.

💡 * Est-ce que cette solution est envisageable ? (Is this solution conceivable/imaginable?)

C'est un scénario tout à fait envisageable. (That's a completely conceivable scenario.)

Nous avons plusieurs options envisageables pour le projet. (We have several conceivable options for the project.)

Un tel changement n'est pas envisageable pour le moment. (Such a change is not imaginable/conceivable for the moment.)

Leur réussite était à peine envisageable il y a un an. (Their success was barely conceivable a year ago.)

The 'plausible' - plausible

The French word plausible looks and sounds almost identical to its English counterpart, 'plausible'. This can lead to assumptions about its meaning, but it's a classic false friend that requires careful attention.

While English 'plausible' primarily means 'believable' or 'credible', the French plausible historically carried a stronger connotation of 'worthy of applause' or 'commendable'. Although it can sometimes mean 'believable' in a very formal or academic context, this usage is far less common than its English equivalent.

For the common meaning of 'believable' or 'credible' in French, you should opt for words like crédible or vraisemblable. These are the go-to terms in everyday conversation and most formal contexts.

When plausible is used in French today, it often implies something that is logically sound, justifiable, or perhaps even admirable in its reasoning, rather than simply 'easy to believe'. It suggests a logical validity or a commendable quality to an argument or explanation.

Therefore, unless you are discussing a very specific, formal argument where 'logically sound' or 'commendable' is the precise nuance you seek, it's generally best to avoid plausible when you mean 'believable'. Stick to crédible or vraisemblable to avoid misunderstanding.

💡 * Son explication n'est pas très crédible. (His explanation isn't very believable.)

C'est une hypothèse vraisemblable. (It's a plausible/likely hypothesis.)

Son raisonnement était plausible mais pas entièrement convaincant. (His reasoning was logically sound/commendable but not entirely convincing.)

Il a présenté un argument plausible pour sa défense. (He presented a plausible/justifiable argument for his defense.)

Ce n'est pas plausible dans ce contexte. (That's not logically valid/commendable in this context.)

The 'doable' or 'makeable' - faisable

The French word faisable directly translates to 'doable' or 'makeable' in English. It is used to describe something that is possible to do or achieve.

Faisable is an adjective in French. It is invariable, meaning its form does not change for masculine/feminine or singular/plural. It always remains faisable, regardless of the noun it modifies.

You use faisable to express that a task, a project, or an idea is achievable, feasible, or practicable. It implies that there are no major obstacles preventing its completion, highlighting its possibility.

💡 * C'est une tâche faisable. (It's a doable task.)

Est-ce que ce projet est faisable en une semaine ? (Is this project doable in one week?)

Je pense que c'est une solution tout à fait faisable. (I think it's a completely feasible solution.)

Avec un peu d'effort, tout est faisable. (With a little effort, everything is doable.)

The 'potential' - potentiel

The word potentiel in French can be used as a noun, meaning 'potential' or 'capacity'. It refers to the inherent ability or possibility for development or achievement.

More frequently, potentiel is used as an adjective. In this form, it means 'potential' or 'possible', describing something that exists in possibility but is not yet actualized.

As an adjective, potentiel must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. The forms are: potentiel (masculine singular), potentielle (feminine singular), potentiels (masculine plural), and potentielles (feminine plural).

You'll often encounter potentiel in business or development contexts, such as potentiel de croissance (growth potential) or when referring to a client potentiel (potential customer).

💡 *Il a un énorme potentiel pour réussir. (He has enormous potential to succeed.)
*C'est une menace potentielle pour la sécurité. (It's a potential threat to security.)
*Nous devons évaluer toutes les solutions potentielles. (We must evaluate all potential solutions.)
*Elle est une cliente potentielle très prometteuse. (She is a very promising potential customer.)
*Le potentiel de l'équipe est évident pour tout le monde. (The team's potential is obvious to everyone.)

The 'permitted' or 'allowed' (implying possibility) - permis

The French word permis primarily functions as an adjective meaning 'permitted' or 'allowed.' Like many French adjectives, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. The forms are: permis (masculine singular), permise (feminine singular), permis (masculine plural), and permises (feminine plural).

A very common way to use permis to express general permission or possibility is with the impersonal construction il est permis de. This phrase translates to 'it is permitted to' or 'one is allowed to,' followed by an infinitive verb. It signifies that an action is generally acceptable or not forbidden, often implying a rule or social norm.

While both permis and autorisé can mean 'allowed,' permis often carries a nuance of general acceptance, moral allowance, or what is socially acceptable. Autorisé, on the other hand, typically implies official, formal, or explicit authorization (e.g., by a government, institution, or person in authority).

Beyond its adjectival use, permis also exists as a masculine noun, un permis. In this context, it translates to 'a permit' or 'a license,' such as un permis de conduire (a driving license) or un permis de construire (a building permit).

💡 * C'est une activité non permise ici. (This is an activity not permitted here.)

Ces pratiques sont permises par la loi. (These practices are allowed by law.)

Il est permis de fumer dans cette zone. (It is permitted to smoke in this area.)

Est-ce que c'est permis de faire ça ? (Is it allowed to do that?)

J'ai enfin obtenu mon permis de conduire. (I finally got my driving license.)

Are there other ways to say 'possible' in French?

Our list features the most common ways to say 'possible' in French. However, the French language, with its rich vocabulary, offers many nuances and alternative expressions depending on the context, formality, or specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

To delve deeper, you might explore online searches for phrases like 'comment exprimer la possibilité en français' or 'synonymes de possible'.

While you'll find various synonyms and related expressions for possible, always verify their specific connotations and observe how they are used in different contexts before incorporating them into your active vocabulary.

As you immerse yourself in French media — reading books, watching films, or listening to podcasts — pay close attention to how native speakers express possibility. You'll naturally pick up on more nuanced alternatives and the subtle differences in their usage.

For a comprehensive list of synonyms and related expressions for possible, a reliable resource like the WordReference entry or a dedicated French thesaurus (such as Le Robert or Larousse) can be incredibly helpful.

I hope this exploration of 'possible' has been insightful and expanded your linguistic horizons. To conclude, here's a timeless thought that resonates with the journey of language learning: «Rien n'est impossible à celui qui veut.» (Nothing is impossible for him who wills.) With determination, countless possibilities open up!

9 ways to say "possible" in French