はずだ
はずだ
expression
should be; is expected to; is supposed to
1.
should be; is expected to; ought to be
Expresses the speaker's expectation or logical conclusion that something is or should be the case, based on reasoning, evidence, or prior knowledge.
2.
is supposed to; is scheduled to
Indicates that something was planned, arranged, or supposed to happen according to a schedule or agreement.
Attaches to the plain form of verbs, adjectives, and nouns (+の). Expresses the speaker's confident expectation based on logic or evidence, not mere hope or wish. The core meaning comes from 筈 (the notch of an arrow where the bowstring fits), suggesting something that fits naturally or logically.
Common patterns
- verb plain form + はずだ: 知っているはずだ (should know)
- い-adjective + はずだ: 安いはずだ (should be cheap)
- な-adjective + なはずだ: 静かなはずだ (should be quiet)
- noun + のはずだ: 休みのはずだ (should be a day off)
- はずがない: there is no way that... (strong negation)
- はずだった: was supposed to (but didn't happen)
Similar words
- べきだ: expresses moral obligation or recommendation ("should" as in "ought to"), while はずだ expresses expectation or logical conclusion
- だろう: expresses probability or supposition, while はずだ conveys stronger confidence based on evidence
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Used in both spoken and written Japanese. The polite form はずです is common in everyday conversation.
Related Words
Compare:
べきだ (expresses moral obligation…)