GRAMMAR DETAIL
はずだ
Expresses an expectation regarded as natural in light of known information or evidence.
Examples
受付は九時に始まるはずだ。
Registration should begin at nine.
Words used
地図によれば、駅はこの先にあるはずだ。
According to the map, the station should be farther ahead.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure:
はずだexpresses an expectation based on a known schedule, information, or other grounds. - Basic usage:
地図によれば、駅はこの先にあるはずだ。uses the map as grounds for expecting the station to be farther ahead.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Expectation versus obligation
九時に始まるはずだis an expectation based on known information, whereas九時に始めるべきだjudges that something ought to start at nine. Even when both are translated with should, an expectation about a schedule differs from an obligation.
- Nouns and adjectives connect differently
- A noun takes a form such as
休日のはずだ, and a na-adjective takes静かなはずだ. An i-adjective connects directly, as in高いはずだ, so the connecting forms are not all identical.
- A noun takes a form such as