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    問題になりかねない (mondai ni narikanenai - could easily become a problem)

    Grammar & Usage

    verbal phrase
    formal

    How it works

    Formed by attaching the auxiliary suffix 〜かねない (kanenai) to the stem of the verb なる (naru, to become) preceded by the target particle に (ni) and noun 問題 (mondai). The suffix 〜かねない attaches to the pre-masu stem of verbs to express that there is a distinct possibility or risk of an undesirable outcome occurring. Although it morphologically contains the negative suffix ない (nai), the semantic meaning is affirmative regarding the risk ('could well / might easily').

    Sample sentences

    この不用意な発言は国際問題になりかねない。

    This careless remark could easily become an international issue.

    初期の不具合を放置しておくと、将来的に深刻な問題になりかねない。

    If early defects are left unaddressed, they could turn into a serious problem in the future.

    顧客への説明が不足していると、誤解を生んで法的な問題になりかねない。

    If explanations to customers are insufficient, it could create misunderstandings and lead to legal issues.

    Quick facts

    contrast:Distinct from 〜かねる (-kaneru), which means 'unable to do / cannot'.
    polarity_nuance:Strictly used for negative or undesirable outcomes, unlike standard potential forms.
    polite_equivalent:問題になりかねません (mondai ni narikanemasen)

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    この不用意な発言は国際問題になりかねない。

    This careless remark could easily become an international issue.

    初期の不具合を放置しておくと、将来的に深刻な問題になりかねない。

    If early defects are left unaddressed, they could turn into a serious problem in the future.

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