viável vs possível
Portuguese word comparison
Listen to viável
Listen to possível
| viável | possível |
|---|---|
/vee-AH-vel/ adjective | /poh-see-VEL/ adjective |
| feasible; capable of being done successfully or realistically | able to be done or achieved |
How they differ
"Possível" is broader and only says something can happen or be done. "Viável" usually adds the idea that it is practical, realistic, or workable in the actual circumstances.
When to use each
When to use viável: Use "viável" when you want to stress that something is not just possible in theory, but workable in practice.
When to use possível: Use "possível" when you only need to say that something can happen or be done, without judging practicality.
Side-by-side examples
- A mudança é viável dentro do orçamento disponível.
(The change is feasible within the available budget.) - A mudança é possível, mas exigiria muito mais tempo.
(The change is possible, but it would require much more time.)
Register & nuance: Both are common and neutral, but "viável" is more typical in planning, business, technical, or strategic contexts.