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Expressing expectations, obligations, impossibility, and logical conclusions
What each pattern means, when to use it, and the mistakes that cost marks in the exam.
Expresses a strong expectation or logical conclusion based on facts or evidence. It follows standard noun-modifying forms: な for な-adjectives and の for nouns.
Common mistakes
Strongly denies a possibility based on logic or evidence. It uses the same formation rules as 'hazu da'.
Common mistakes
Expresses a strong moral or social obligation. It carries more weight than 'hou ga ii' and implies that the action is the obviously right thing to do.
Common mistakes
The negative form of 'beki da', expressing that an action is inappropriate or morally wrong. It is a strong prohibition based on common sense or ethics.
Common mistakes
Used to advise someone that an action is unnecessary in a specific context. It is often used to comfort or reassure someone.
Common mistakes
Explains a logical conclusion or clarifies why something is the way it is. Often translates to 'it means...' or 'no wonder...'.
Common mistakes
Used for partial negation to clarify that a specific conclusion isn't always true. Often paired with 'always' or 'all'.
Common mistakes
Expresses a very strong subjective denial or disbelief. It is more informal and emotional than 'hazu ga nai'.
Common mistakes
Used when one cannot do something (or must do something) because of social common sense, duty, or conscience. V(dictionary) + わけにはいかない means 'cannot do'; V(ない) + わけにはいかない means 'must do'.
Common mistakes
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on these 9 grammar patterns and track which ones you need to review most.