Expectation with はず

Grammar: Assertion and Declaration » はず

2019年03月31日

2026年08月10日

はず marks a conclusion the speaker expects to be true based on what they know. It often translates as “should” or “supposed to”.

Usage Notes

はず follows a plain-form verb or adjective. A noun takes の, and a な-adjective takes な. When reality contradicts the expectation, はずなのに means “even though it should have been”.

Examples

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Expecting stew for dinner with はず

Grammar Explanation: Expectation with はず (Future entry)

Learn the meaning and usage of the grammar はず in Japanese, with examples from manga. — ご注文はうさぎですか？ » Volume 1 » Page 78

At the end of her school day, Chino pauses to think about tonight’s meal.

チノ:: 「今日(きょう)の夕飯(ゆうはん)はココアさんがシチューを作(つく)ってくれるはず…」; “Cocoa-san should be making stew for dinner today.”

Expecting the residence to be around here with はず

Grammar Explanation: Expectation with はず (Future entry)

Cocoa gets lost looking for the residence she’ll be staying at. She stops by at a café and speaks to the barista inside.

ココア:: 「道(みち)を聞(き)くついでに休憩(きゅうけい)しようと思(おも)ったんだけど」; “I was thinking of taking a break while I asked for directions.”; 「香風(かふう)さんちってこの近(ちか)くのはずなんだけど知(し)ってる？」; “The Kafuu residence should be around here, but do you know of it?”