Expectation with はず
Grammar: Assertion and Declaration » はず
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”.
Further Reading
- How to use はず (maggiesensei.com)
- Using 「はず」 to describe an expectation (www.guidetojapanese.org)
Examples
Expecting stew for dinner with はず
Grammar Explanation: Expectation with はず
At the end of her school day, Chino pauses to think about tonight’s meal.
- チノ:
- 「今日の夕飯はココアさんがシチューを作ってくれるはず…」
- “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
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:
- 「道を聞くついでに休憩しようと思ったんだけど」
- “I was thinking of taking a break while I asked for directions.”
- 「香風さんちってこの近くのはずなんだけど知ってる？」
- “The Kafuu residence should be around here, but do you know of it?”
