B1 noun #650 most common 5 min read

はず

It is expected to be.

hazu
Practice it

Explanation at your level:

Hello! Let's learn about はず (hazu). It's like saying 'should be'. Imagine you have a toy car. If it's red, you know it's red. はず is like saying, 'It should be red because it is red!' It's what you think is true. For example, 'The cat should be sleeping.' You think the cat is sleeping because cats often sleep. It's a simple idea of what you expect. It's not a promise, just a thought!

The word はず (hazu), when used as a noun, means something like 'what is expected' or 'what should be'. Think about it like this: if you know the rules of a game, you expect players to follow them. So, you might say, 'The players should be following the rules.' This means you believe it's the correct thing to do based on the rules. It’s a logical expectation. It’s not a 100% guarantee, but it's a strong feeling that something is right or likely to happen.

はず (hazu) as a noun signifies an expectation or a logical conclusion. It's used when you believe something is likely to be true or should happen based on certain information or reasoning. For example, if you saw someone studying hard, you might say, 'He should be ready for the exam.' This implies your expectation is based on his preparation. It's a common way to express reasoned anticipation in Japanese, distinct from simple hope or guesswork. It carries a sense of 'it is supposed to be this way.'

In Japanese, はず (hazu), functioning as a noun, denotes a strong expectation or a logical inference. It’s employed when the speaker believes something is highly probable or correct based on available evidence, rules, or common sense. For instance, 'The train should be here by now' (電車はもう来るはずだ - Densha wa mou kuru hazu da) implies the expectation is based on the train schedule. It's important to note that はず indicates a high degree of probability but doesn't guarantee the outcome, leaving room for exceptions. It’s a nuanced expression of reasoned anticipation.

The noun はず (hazu) embodies the concept of logical expectation or presumption. It represents a state of affairs that is inferred to be true or to occur based on a rational assessment of circumstances, established facts, or prevailing norms. For example, in a scientific context, one might state, 'Based on the initial data, the hypothesis should be correct' (初期データに基づけば、仮説は正しいはずだ - Shoki deeta ni motozukeba, kasetsu wa tadashii hazu da). This usage highlights a conclusion drawn from evidence, implying a high degree of certainty derived from reasoning, rather than mere conjecture or blind faith. It signifies what is logically incumbent or anticipated within a given framework.

The noun はず (hazu) encapsulates the philosophical notion of logical necessity or presumptive truth within a given epistemic framework. It signifies a state of affairs that is deduced as being the only rational possibility or the most probable outcome given the available premises, established laws, or societal conventions. Consider its use in legal or ethical discourse: 'Given the defendant's prior record, a guilty verdict should be expected' (被告人の前科を考慮すれば、有罪判決が下るはずだ - Hikokunin no zenka o kouryo sureba, yuuzai hanketsu ga kudaru hazu da). This usage reflects a sophisticated understanding of inference, where the expectation is not merely subjective but grounded in a systematic analysis of contributing factors. It denotes the logical consequence that *must* obtain, barring unforeseen anomalies, underscoring the intersection of reason and anticipation in advanced communication.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • <strong>はず (hazu)</strong> as a noun means 'expectation' or 'logical conclusion'.
  • It implies something *should* be or *is expected* to be, based on reason or evidence.
  • Commonly used in phrases like <strong>はずだ</strong> (should be) and <strong>はずがない</strong> (no way!).
  • It expresses a high degree of certainty but is not an absolute guarantee.

Hey there! Let's dive into the fascinating Japanese word はず (hazu). When we use it as a noun, it's all about expectation and what should logically be true. Think of it as the feeling you get when something is supposed to happen, or a situation is supposed to be a certain way, based on what you know. It's not a guarantee, but a strong sense of what's likely or correct.

Imagine you've studied really hard for a test. You'd feel like you はず (should) pass, right? That feeling of 'it should be this way' or 'it's expected to be like this' is the core meaning of はず. It bridges the gap between what we know and what we anticipate, playing a crucial role in how we express certainty and logical deductions in Japanese.

It's super important to remember that はず expresses a belief or expectation, not an absolute fact. Life can be surprising, and things don't always go as planned! So, while はず points to what is *expected*, it leaves room for the unexpected. It's a subtle but powerful concept in Japanese communication.

The word はず (hazu), when used as a noun, is deeply rooted in the Japanese language's grammatical structure. Its origin can be traced back to older forms of Japanese, likely evolving from verbal or adjectival roots that conveyed a sense of 'fitting,' 'being proper,' or 'being in order.' Over time, these concepts solidified into the noun form we use today to express expectation and logical inference.

Linguistically, はず is related to the idea of something being 'in its place' or 'as it should be.' This sense of order and correctness is fundamental to many Japanese concepts. Think about how politeness and social harmony are valued; はず can reflect this by indicating what is socially or logically expected within a given framework.

While its exact etymological journey is complex, the core idea remains consistent: はず represents a state that aligns with established norms, logic, or prior knowledge. It's a testament to how language evolves to capture nuanced human thought processes, moving from basic concepts of order to sophisticated expressions of expectation and reasoned assumption.

As a noun, はず is often used in phrases that emphasize expectation or logical conclusion. You'll frequently hear it in contexts where someone is stating what they believe should be the case. For instance, 「予定のはずです」 (yotei no hazu desu) means 'It is supposed to be the plan,' highlighting a strong expectation based on a schedule.

It's also common to see はず used with particles like の (no) or in constructions that link it to a preceding clause, signifying the basis for the expectation. For example, 「雨が降るはずだから、傘を持っていこう」 (Ame ga furu hazu da kara, kasa o motte ikou) - 'Since it's expected to rain, let's take an umbrella.' Here, the expectation of rain leads to a logical action.

When using はず, remember it conveys a high degree of certainty based on logic or information, but it's not an absolute guarantee. It sits comfortably in most situations, from casual conversations with friends to more formal discussions, as it expresses a reasoned perspective. It’s a versatile word that adds a layer of logical anticipation to your Japanese.

While はず itself is a core concept rather than a typical idiom-forming word, it appears in expressions that highlight expectation and logical outcomes. These phrases often carry a slightly more nuanced or emphatic meaning than the standalone noun.

1. ～はずがない (hazu ga nai): This is perhaps the most common expression involving はず. It means 'There is no way that...' or 'It's impossible that...'. It strongly negates an expectation, implying something is highly unlikely or unbelievable.
Example: 「彼がそんなことをはずがない。」 (Kare ga sonna koto o hazu ga nai.) - 'There's no way he would do something like that.'

2. ～はずだ (hazu da): This is the standard plain form used to express expectation. While not strictly an idiom, it's the fundamental way はず is used to state what should be.
Example: 「明日は晴れるはずだ。」 (Ashita wa hareru hazu da.) - 'Tomorrow should be sunny.'

3. ～はずである (hazu de aru): This is a more formal version of はずだ, often used in writing or more formal speech to express a logical conclusion or expectation.
Example: 「データによれば、成功するはずである。」 (Deeta ni yoreba, seikou suru hazu de aru.) - 'According to the data, it should succeed.'

4. ～はずを待つ (hazu o matsu): This is a more literary or slightly archaic expression meaning 'to await what is expected' or 'to wait for the inevitable.' It implies a confident anticipation of a particular outcome.
Example: 「結果は、我々が勝つはずを待つのみだ。」 (Kekka wa, wareware ga katsu hazu o matsu nomi da.) - 'For the result, we just await what is expected - our victory.'

When はず functions as a noun, it behaves like other nouns in Japanese. It's often followed by particles like の (no), が (ga), or は (wa), or it can be the predicate of a sentence, usually ending in だ (da) in plain form or です (desu) in polite form.

Pronunciation: The word はず (hazu) is pronounced with two distinct syllables: 'ha' and 'zu'. The 'h' sound is like the English 'h' in 'hat'. The vowel 'a' is open, like the 'a' in 'father'. The 'z' sound is like the English 'z' in 'zoo', and the final vowel 'u' is similar to the 'oo' in 'moon', but often shorter and less rounded. There isn't a strong stress on either syllable; they are pronounced relatively evenly.

IPA (Standard Japanese): /ha̠zɯᵝ/.

Rhyming Words: While direct rhymes are less common in Japanese due to its syllable structure, words ending in '-azu' or similar sounds might include: まど (mado - window), かぜ (kaze - wind), さむい (samui - cold) (though these are not perfect rhymes, they share similar vowel sounds).

Common Errors: Learners sometimes confuse はず with other expressions of certainty or expectation. It's crucial to remember that はず implies a logical basis for the expectation, distinguishing it from mere hope or strong desire.

Fun Fact

The concept of 'fitting' or 'being in order' is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, influencing many aspects of language and social interaction.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /hɑːzʊ/

Starts with an 'ah' sound like in 'father', followed by a 'z' sound like in 'zoo', ending with a short 'oo' sound like in 'book'.

US /hɑːzʊ/

Similar to UK, with an open 'ah' sound, a clear 'z', and a short 'oo' vowel.

Common Errors

  • Pronouncing 'zu' too softly, making it sound like 'su'.
  • Adding an unnecessary 'u' sound after 'z', making it 'zoo-oo'.
  • Incorrectly stressing the second syllable ('ha-ZU').

Rhymes With

まど (mado) かぜ (kaze) さむい (samui) あつい (atsui) たかい (takai)

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Requires understanding of nuance and context.

Writing 3/5

Choosing the right level of certainty and formality.

Speaking 3/5

Using it naturally in conversation.

Listening 3/5

Distinguishing from similar expressions.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

だ (da) です (desu) 思う (omou) だろう (darou) べき (beki)

Learn Next

見込み (mikomi) 予想 (yosou) 期待 (kitai) 当然 (touzen)

Advanced

推測 (suisoku - inference) 仮定 (katei - hypothesis) 断定 (dantei - assertion)

Grammar to Know

Plain Form Verb Conjugation

食べる (taberu) -> 食べるはず (taberu hazu)

Na-Adjective Conjugation

静か (shizuka) -> 静かなはず (shizuka na hazu)

Using Particles (の, は, が)

それは本当<strong>の</strong>はずだ。(Sore wa hontou <strong>no</strong> hazu da.)

Examples by Level

1

The bookはず is on the table.

book should be on the table

Noun + はず

2

Itはず is cold today.

it should be cold today

Noun + はず

3

The catはず is sleeping.

cat should be sleeping

Noun + はず

4

The trainはず is late.

train should be late

Noun + はず

5

Youはず are right.

you should be right

Noun + はず

6

The doorはず is open.

door should be open

Noun + はず

7

Heはず is a doctor.

he should be a doctor

Noun + はず

8

The foodはず is ready.

food should be ready

Noun + はず

1

明日の天気は晴れだ<strong>はず</strong>です。

Tomorrow's weather should be sunny.

Noun + はず

2

このバスは駅に着く<strong>はず</strong>です。

This bus should arrive at the station.

Noun + はず

3

彼は約束の時間に来る<strong>はず</strong>です。

He should come at the appointed time.

Noun + はず

4

この本は図書館にある<strong>はず</strong>です。

This book should be in the library.

Noun + はず

5

彼女は試験に合格する<strong>はず</strong>です。

She should pass the exam.

Noun + はず

6

もう夜だから、静かになる<strong>はず</strong>です。

It's already night, so it should become quiet.

Noun + はず

7

この道を行けば、公園に着く<strong>はず</strong>です。

If we go this way, we should arrive at the park.

Noun + はず

8

彼は正直者だから、嘘をつく<strong>はず</strong>がない。

He is an honest person, so there is no way he would lie.

～はずがない

1

この計画は成功する<strong>はず</strong>だと信じています。

I believe this plan should succeed.

Noun + はず

2

予定では、もう会議が始まっている<strong>はず</strong>です。

According to the schedule, the meeting should have already started.

Noun + はず

3

彼はこの件について知っている<strong>はず</strong>ですよ。

He should know about this matter, you know.

Noun + はず

4

そんなはずはない。私の記憶違いだろう。

That can't be right. It must be my mistake.

そんなはずはない

5

この情報が正しければ、結果は予測できる<strong>はず</strong>だ。

If this information is correct, the result should be predictable.

Noun + はず

6

彼はきっと来る<strong>はず</strong>だから、もう少し待とう。

He should definitely come, so let's wait a little longer.

Noun + はず

7

この問題は解決できる<strong>はず</strong>です。

This problem should be solvable.

Noun + はず

8

子供が一人で外に出る<strong>はず</strong>がない。

There is no way a child would go out alone.

～はずがない

1

提出された書類によれば、申請は承認される<strong>はず</strong>である。

According to the submitted documents, the application should be approved.

Noun + はずである (formal)

2

この状況では、彼が犯人である<strong>はず</strong>がないと確信している。

In this situation, I am convinced there is no way he is the culprit.

～はずがない

3

彼のこれまでの実績を考えると、今回のプロジェクトも成功する<strong>はず</strong>だ。

Considering his track record so far, this project should also succeed.

Noun + はず

4

常識的に考えて、そのような行動をとる<strong>はず</strong>はない。

Thinking logically, there is no way one would take such an action.

～はずはない

5

我々の予測通りに進めば、期日までに完了する<strong>はず</strong>です。

If things proceed as per our predictions, it should be completed by the deadline.

Noun + はず

6

その情報は古くなっている<strong>はず</strong>なので、最新のものを確認してください。

That information should be outdated, so please check the latest version.

Noun + はず

7

彼は約束を守る人間だ。きっと約束の場所に来る<strong>はず</strong>だ。

He is a person who keeps his promises. He should surely come to the agreed-upon place.

Noun + はず

8

この機械は最新式のはずだが、なぜかうまく動かない。

This machine should be the latest model, but for some reason it doesn't work well.

Noun + はず

1

提示された証拠からは、彼が犯人であるという結論に至る<strong>はず</strong>である。

From the presented evidence, one should arrive at the conclusion that he is the culprit.

Noun + はずである

2

この複雑な状況下で、当初の計画通りに進展する<strong>はず</strong>がない。

Under these complex circumstances, there is no way it can proceed as per the original plan.

～はずがない

3

その理論は、既存の科学的知見と矛盾しない<strong>はず</strong>だ。

That theory should not contradict existing scientific knowledge.

Noun + はず

4

彼の発言は、その立場からすれば当然予想される<strong>はず</strong>のことだ。

His statement should naturally be expected from his position.

Noun + はず

5

このデータセットに基づけば、モデルの精度は大幅に向上する<strong>はず</strong>です。

Based on this dataset, the model's accuracy should significantly improve.

Noun + はず

6

我々の理解が正しければ、この現象は再現される<strong>はず</strong>である。

If our understanding is correct, this phenomenon should be reproducible.

Noun + はずである

7

そのような非合理的な主張が、専門家の間で受け入れられる<strong>はず</strong>はない。

There is no way such an irrational claim would be accepted among experts.

～はずはない

8

この時代の記録によれば、当時の社会構造はかくある<strong>はず</strong>であったと推察される。

According to records from this era, the social structure at that time is presumed to have been thus.

Noun + はずであった

1

哲学的な観点からすれば、その命題は真であるという帰結に至る<strong>はず</strong>である。

From a philosophical standpoint, the proposition should lead to the conclusion of being true.

Noun + はずである

2

この因果関係を考慮すれば、彼の行動は必然的にその結果を招く<strong>はず</strong>だ。

Considering this causal relationship, his actions should inevitably lead to that result.

Noun + はず

3

歴史的文脈を鑑みると、当時の権力構造がそのような政策を支持したと考えるのが妥当な<strong>はず</strong>だ。

Considering the historical context, it should be reasonable to think that the power structure of the time supported such policies.

Noun + はず

4

その論理体系においては、前提が真であれば、結論もまた真である<strong>はず</strong>である。

Within that logical system, if the premises are true, then the conclusion should also be true.

Noun + はずである

5

彼の発言の背後にある意図を推察すれば、それは我々の予想を裏切る<strong>はず</strong>がない。

Inferring the intention behind his statement, there is no way it would betray our expectations.

～はずがない

6

この現象の根底にある物理法則を適用すれば、観測される結果は理論値と一致する<strong>はず</strong>である。

Applying the underlying physical laws of this phenomenon, the observed results should match the theoretical values.

Noun + はずである

7

社会通念上、そのような行動が容認される<strong>はず</strong>はない。

Socially, there is no way such behavior would be tolerated.

～はずはない

8

彼の過去の行動パターンから、今回の危機においても同様の対応をとる<strong>はず</strong>だと予測される。

From his past behavioral patterns, it is predicted that he should take similar actions in this crisis as well.

Noun + はず

Common Collocations

～はずだ
～はずがない
～はずである
～の（だ）<strong>はず</strong>
～はずはない
～はずだった
～はずもなく
当然～はず
～はずか
～はずでは

Idioms & Expressions

"～はずがない"

There is no way that...; It's impossible that...

彼がそんなことを言う<strong>はずがない</strong>。

neutral

"～はずはない"

There is no way that...; It's impossible that... (slightly stronger negation than ～はずがない)

そんなはずはない、きっと何か間違いだ。

neutral

"～はずだ"

Should be; Is expected to be; Must be (based on logic/reason)

明日は晴れる<strong>はずだ</strong>。

neutral

"～はずだった"

Was supposed to be; Should have been (but wasn't)

約束の時間に来る<strong>はずだった</strong>が、遅刻した。

neutral

"～はずを待つ"

To await what is expected; To wait for the inevitable (often implies confidence in the outcome)

我々の勝利は<strong>はずを待つ</strong>ばかりだ。

formal/literary

"～はずか"

How could it be...? Why would it be...? (rhetorical question expressing disbelief)

私がそれを忘れる<strong>はず</strong>か？

casual/neutral

Easily Confused

はず vs だろう (darou)

Both express probability or expectation.

だろう is a softer guess or probability, often based on less concrete evidence. はず implies a stronger, logic-based expectation.

明日は雨が降る<strong>だろう</strong>。(Ashita wa ame ga furu <strong>darou</strong>.) - It will probably rain tomorrow (general guess). 明日は雨が降る<strong>はずだ</strong>。(Ashita wa ame ga furu <strong>hazu da</strong>.) - It should rain tomorrow (based on forecast/logic).

はず vs と思う (to omou)

Both indicate a speaker's belief or thought.

と思う is a general 'I think', expressing personal opinion or belief, which can be weak. はず is based on reasoning and is more assertive about the expectation.

彼は来る<strong>と思う</strong>。(Kare wa kuru <strong>to omou</strong>.) - I think he will come (personal belief). 彼は来る<strong>はずだ</strong>。(Kare wa kuru <strong>hazu da</strong>.) - He should come (based on knowing he promised, etc.).

はず vs べき (beki)

Both translate to 'should' in English.

べき expresses moral obligation or what is right/proper to do. はず expresses logical expectation or probability.

もっと勉強<strong>すべき</strong>だ。(Motto benkyou <strong>beki</strong> da.) - You should study more (moral obligation). 試験は難しい<strong>はずだ</strong>。(Shiken wa muzukashii <strong>hazu da</strong>.) - The exam should be difficult (logical expectation).

はず vs 見込み (mikomi)

Both relate to expectation and future outcomes.

見込み often refers to a more concrete prospect, estimation, or potential, often based on plans or data. はず is a broader logical expectation.

成功の<strong>見込み</strong>は高い。(Seikou no <strong>mikomi</strong> wa takai.) - The prospect/chance of success is high. 彼は成功する<strong>はずだ</strong>。(Kare wa seikou suru <strong>hazu da</strong>.) - He should succeed (based on his abilities).

Sentence Patterns

A2

Noun + はず (da/desu)

これは予定<strong>の</strong><strong>はず</strong>です。

A2

Verb (plain) + はず (da/desu)

彼は来る<strong>はず</strong>だ。

A2

i-Adjective + はず (da/desu)

明日は寒い<strong>はず</strong>だ。

A2

na-Adjective + なはず (da/desu)

部屋は静か<strong>なはず</strong>だ。

A2

～はずがない / ～はずはない

そんなこと<strong>はずがない</strong>！

B1

～はずだった

会議は始まる<strong>はずだった</strong>。

B1

～はずか

私が忘れる<strong>はず</strong>か？

B2

～はずもなく

驚く<strong>はずもなく</strong>、彼は続けた。

Word Family

Nouns

はず (hazu) expectation, logical conclusion
見込み (mikomi) prospect, expectation, estimation
予想 (yosou) prediction, forecast

Related

当然 (touzen) Implies a stronger, more inherent reason for expectation.
道理 (douri) Related to the logical basis upon which 'hazu' is formed.

How to Use It

Formality Scale

～はずである (most formal) ～はずだ (neutral/standard) ～はず (casual, often omitted predicate) ～はずか (casual, rhetorical)

Common Mistakes

Using はず for simple wishes or desires. → Use expressions like ～たい (tai - want to) or ～たらいいな (tara ii na - I hope).
はず implies a logical expectation, not just a personal wish.
Confusing はず with ～だろう (darou - probably) or ～と思う (to omou - I think). → Use はず when the expectation is based on strong evidence or logic. Use だろう/と思う for weaker assumptions.
はず carries a higher degree of certainty based on reason.
Forgetting the negative form ～はずがない/ない. → Use ～はずがない or ～はずはない to express impossibility.
The negative form is crucial for expressing disbelief or impossibility.
Overusing はず in casual conversation. → In very casual speech, simpler forms like ～だろう or ～と思う might be more natural.
While はず is versatile, its nuance of logical expectation might feel slightly formal in extremely casual contexts.
Treating はず as a guarantee. → Remember that はず expresses expectation, not certainty. Things can still turn out differently.
It's important to understand the subtle difference between expectation and absolute fact.

Tips

💡

Memory Palace Trick

Imagine a 'Hall of Expectations'. Each room represents a different situation where something is 'supposed to be' a certain way. Place the word 'はず' prominently in this hall.

💡

When Native Speakers Use It

Listen for 'hazu' when someone states a plan ('The meeting should start soon'), a logical deduction ('He's tired, so he should go home'), or expresses disbelief ('No way! That can't be right').

🌍

Cultural Insight

The emphasis on logic and expectation in 'hazu' reflects a cultural value placed on order and predictability.

💡

Grammar Shortcut

Remember: Verb + はず = Should do; i-Adj + はず = Should be (adj); na-Adj + なはず = Should be (adj); Noun + のはず = Should be (noun).

💡

Say It Right

Focus on the clear 'z' sound in 'zu'. Avoid making it sound like 'su'. Practice saying 'ha-zu' distinctly.

💡

Don't Make This Mistake

Avoid using 'hazu' for simple wishes. It requires a logical basis, not just desire.

💡

Did You Know?

The negative form 'hazu ga nai' is incredibly common and useful for expressing strong disbelief!

💡

Study Smart

Create flashcards with sentences using 'hazu' on one side and the English translation on the other. Include the context or reason for the expectation.

💡

Active Recall

Try to explain a situation using 'hazu'. For example, 'My phone is fully charged, so it should work.' (私の電話は満充電だから、動くはずだ。)

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'How's it?' - 'It's <strong>how</strong> it <strong>should</strong> be!' (This is a loose connection, focus on the 'should be' aspect).

Visual Association

Imagine a perfectly balanced scale, representing logical expectation. Or a checklist where items are ticked off as expected.

Word Web

Expectation Logic Should be Supposed to Probable Reasoned Conclusion

Challenge

Try to use 'はず' in sentences describing your daily expectations. What should be happening right now?

Word Origin

Japanese

Original meaning: Likely derived from older Japanese verbs or adjectives conveying 'fitting,' 'being proper,' or 'being in order.'

Cultural Context

None. It's a neutral grammatical concept.

In English, we might use phrases like 'should be,' 'is expected to,' 'supposed to,' or 'it's likely that' to convey similar meanings.

The grammatical structure using はず is fundamental to Japanese and appears in countless novels, films, and everyday conversations.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Making plans or checking schedules

  • 会議は9時に始まる<strong>はず</strong>です。
  • 電車はもう着く<strong>はず</strong>だ。
  • 明日は晴れる<strong>はず</strong>だ。

Expressing logical deductions

  • 彼は疲れている<strong>はず</strong>だから、休むだろう。
  • この情報が正しければ、結果はこうなる<strong>はず</strong>だ。
  • 正直者だから、嘘をつく<strong>はず</strong>がない。

Expressing disbelief or impossibility

  • そんなこと<strong>はずがない</strong>！
  • 彼が犯人である<strong>はず</strong>はない。
  • ありえない<strong>はず</strong>だ。

Talking about past expectations

  • 約束の時間に来る<strong>はずだった</strong>。
  • もっと早く終わる<strong>はずだった</strong>のに。
  • 成功する<strong>はずだった</strong>が、失敗した。

Conversation Starters

"今日の天気予報では晴れだ<strong>はず</strong>だけど、どう思う？"

"この新しいレストラン、美味しいって評判だから、きっと混んでる<strong>はず</strong>だよね？"

"彼が約束の時間に遅れる<strong>はず</strong>がない。何かあったのかな？"

"この問題、解決できる<strong>はず</strong>だと思わない？"

"昨日の試合、うちのチームが勝つ<strong>はず</strong>だったのに、残念だったね。"

Journal Prompts

Think about your plans for tomorrow. What do you expect to happen? Use 'hazu' to describe these expectations.

Describe a time when something you expected didn't happen. How would you express that using 'hazu was not...', or 'there was no way...'

What is something you believe is logically true based on the information you have? Explain it using 'hazu'.

Write about a common misconception. Why is it 'not the case' or 'impossible' based on facts? Use 'hazu ga nai'.

Frequently Asked Questions

8 questions

はず implies a stronger expectation based on logic or evidence. だろう expresses a weaker probability or guess.

Yes, はず is commonly used for future events when there's a logical basis for the expectation, like a schedule or plan.

Not always. In casual speech, the predicate (like だ) is often omitted, e.g., '雨降るはず' (Ame furu hazu - It should rain).

It means 'There is no way...' or 'It's impossible that...', expressing strong disbelief or negation of an expectation.

When used in this context, はず functions as a noun or a quasi-adjective (like a 'na-adjective' in some classifications), often followed by だ/です.

Not directly. It expresses logical conclusions or expectations, not subjective emotions like hope or desire, though those might be related.

べき (beki) means 'should' in a moral or obligatory sense (what one ought to do). はず (hazu) means 'should' in the sense of logical expectation or probability.

You would use the past negative form: ～はずではなかった (hazu de wa nakatta) or ～はずじゃなかった (hazu ja nakatta).

Test Yourself

fill blank A1

The cat is sleeping. It ___ sleeping.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: should be

The sentence states a fact, and 'should be' reflects the expectation based on that fact.

multiple choice A2

Which sentence best expresses a logical expectation?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: It should rain tomorrow.

'It should rain tomorrow' implies an expectation based on some reasoning (like a forecast).

true false B1

The Japanese word 'はず' guarantees that something will happen.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

'はず' expresses expectation based on logic, but it doesn't guarantee the outcome.

match pairs B1

Word

Meaning

All matched!

Matching common expressions with their meanings.

sentence order B2

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

The correct order forms the sentence '彼は約束に来るはずだ' (He should come to the appointment).

fill blank B2

According to the schedule, the train ___ here by now.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: should be

'Should be' indicates an expectation based on the schedule.

multiple choice C1

Which phrase best conveys an impossibility based on strong disbelief?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: ～はずがない

'はずがない' strongly negates a possibility due to disbelief or logical contradiction.

true false C1

The expression '～はずだった' implies that the expected event did not occur.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: True

'～はずだった' is used for past expectations that were not fulfilled.

fill blank C2

Given the evidence, the conclusion that he is innocent seems highly unlikely; there is no way he ___ innocent.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: would be

'Would be' fits the context of impossibility and disbelief, similar to 'はずがない'.

sentence completion C2

Based on the established principles of physics, the observed anomaly ___ theoretically possible.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: should not be

'Should not be' reflects a logical expectation derived from scientific principles, akin to 'はずがない'.

Score: /10

Related Content

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!