JLPT N3 reference · Modality and stance
はず expectation
It expresses a reasoned expectation based on knowledge, plans, or evidence.
Core meaning and form
Use plain clause + はずだ; nouns take のはず and な-adjectives take なはず. はず is stronger than a guess but does not guarantee the event; はずがない rejects a possibility.
- Form: Use plain clause + はずだ; nouns take のはず and な-adjectives take なはず.
- Core use: It expresses a reasoned expectation based on knowledge, plans, or evidence.
- Context: はず is stronger than a guess but does not guarantee the event; はずがない rejects a possibility.
Examples in context
電車は十時に着くはずです。Densha wa jū-ji ni tsuku hazu desu.The train should arrive at ten.
彼は住所を知っているはずだ。Kare wa jūsho o shitte iru hazu da.He should know the address.
そんなはずはありません。Sonna hazu wa arimasen.That cannot be right.
Common errors
- Do not select this pattern from an English translation alone; check its attachment and discourse function.
- Keep the surrounding sentence in a consistent plain, polite, spoken, or written register.
Quick summary
- Use plain clause + はずだ; nouns take のはず and な-adjectives take なはず.
- It expresses a reasoned expectation based on knowledge, plans, or evidence.
- はず is stronger than a guess but does not guarantee the event; はずがない rejects a possibility.