Japanese grammar
What does ～はずだ mean? Japanese grammar N4
～はずだ means must be, should be (by logic).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N4 |
|---|---|
| Structure | V／Aい (plain form) + はずだ Aな + なはずだ N + のはずだ |
| Romaji | ~ hazu da |
| Meaning | must be, should be (by logic) |
How to use it
Draws a logical or expected conclusion based on existing information, plans, or knowledge.
- はずだ is not a random guess; the speaker has grounds and believes the conclusion must be true logically. If reality contradicts the expectation, はずなのに or はずがない is commonly used.
- Nouns connect with の, na-adjectives with な. The form はずだった describes something that was supposed to happen but may not have.
Examples
田中さんは地図を持っているから、道が分かるはずです。
Tanaka has a map, so he should know the way.
荷物は今日届くはずでしたが、まだ来ていません。
The package was supposed to arrive today, but it has not come yet.
手紙は明日届くはずです。
The letter should arrive tomorrow.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong田中さんは学生はずです。
Correct田中さんは学生のはずです。
A noun needs の before はず: 学生のはず.
-
Wrong彼は先生だはずだ。
He must be a teacher.
Correct彼は先生のはずだ。
A noun connects to 「はずだ」 with 「の」 (先生のはずだ).
-
Wrongたぶん来るはずがない。
He probably won't come.
Correctたぶん来ないはずだ。
"Probably won't come" uses 「～ないはずだ」; 「はずがない」 means "no way, there's no chance" (stronger).
Exam tips
- When the preceding sentence clearly provides grounds via から／予定／約束, はずだ is usually the fitting choice.