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it should be; I expect that
Definition
The grammar pattern 'Plain Form + はずだ / N + のはずだ / Na-adj + なはずだ' is used to express a confident expectation based on logical reasons or objective facts. It implies that something is natural or expected according to the situation. This pattern is often used in everyday conversations to convey a sense of certainty or inevitability. For example, if someone has been in Japan for 5 years, it is natural that they are proficient in Japanese. This pattern is not suitable for expressing uncertainty or doubt, and it should not be used to describe someone's internal will or intention.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Form | Plain Form + はずだ | 歩くはずだ (I expect that you will walk) |
| Noun | N + のはずだ | 東京のはずだ (I expect that it is Tokyo) |
| Na-adj | Na-adj + なはずだ | 大きいなはずだ (I expect that it is big) |
Examples
彼は日本に5年もいたから、日本語が上手なはずです。
Kare wa nihon ni go-nen mo ita kara, nihongo ga jouzu na hazu desu.
He is expected to be good at Japanese since he has been in Japan for 5 years.
彼は日本に5年もいたから (He has been in Japan for 5 years) + 日本語が上手なはずです (He is expected to be good at Japanese)
田中さんは3時の電車に乗ったと言っていました。もうすぐ______はずです。
Tanaka-san wa 3-ji no densha ni notta to itte imashita. Mōsugu ______ hazu desu.
Tanaka said he got on the 3 o'clock train. He is expected to arrive soon.
田中さんは3時の電車に乗ったと言っていました (Tanaka said he got on the 3 o'clock train) + もうすぐ______はずです (He is expected to arrive soon)
今日は日曜日ですから、銀行は______はずですよ。
Kyō wa nichiyōbi desu kara, ginkō wa ______ hazu desu yo.
Since today is Sunday, the bank is expected to be closed.
今日は日曜日ですから (Since today is Sunday) + 銀行は______はずですよ (The bank is expected to be closed)
Context
This pattern is used to express a confident expectation based on logical reasons or objective facts. It is often used in everyday conversations to convey a sense of certainty or inevitability. This pattern is not suitable for expressing uncertainty or doubt, and it should not be used to describe someone's internal will or intention. The register is informal, and it is commonly used in spoken language.
Watch out
This pattern is not suitable for expressing uncertainty or doubt. If you are unsure about something, use 'deshou' or 'kamoshirenai' instead.
Make sure to use 'no' for nouns and 'na' for na-adjectives when using this pattern.
This pattern is not suitable for describing someone's internal will or intention. Use a different pattern to express your thoughts or feelings.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to read the context carefully and choose the correct answer based on the situation. This pattern is often used in everyday conversations, so try to think of a situation where you would use it in real life.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows Plain Form + はずだ / N + のはずだ / Na-adj + なはずだ used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
彼は日本に5年もいたから、日本語が上手なはずです。
Pattern used: はず
Based on the fact he lived in Japan for 5 years, it is a logical expectation ('hazu') that he is good at Japanese.
田中さんは3時の電車に乗ったと言っていました。もうすぐ着くはずです。
Pattern used: 着く
Use the dictionary form + はず to express an expectation of a future arrival.
今日は日曜日ですから、銀行は休みのはずですよ。
Pattern used: 休みの
Nouns require 'no' before 'hazu'.
Interactive
彼は日本に5年もいたから、日本語が上手な______です。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.