Finnish

Noun

mahdollisuus

1. A possibility
2. A chance (opportunity, possibility or probability)

   • Meillä on mahdollisuus / tilaisuus.
     • We have a/the chance.
   • Sateen mahdollisuus huomenna on 30 %.
     • There is a 30% chance of rain tomorrow.

3. An opportunity (chance for advancement, progress or profit)
4. A probability.

   • Meillä on 50 prosentin mahdollisuus voittaa.
     • We have a 50% probability to win.

Declension

Usage notes

The difference between mahdollisuus and tilaisuus is sometimes subtle, but mahdollisuus tends to be used, when there's considerable uncertainty about the outcome or when there are several equally good options to choose from, whereas tilaisuus is a clearer opportunity to achieve or obtain something desirable.

Synonyms

• (chance): mahku, mahis (colloquial)
• (opportunity): tilaisuus
• (probability): todennäköisyys

See also

• tilaisuus