JLPT N4
はず
Should / Expected to
Structure
Plain form はず
How it works
はず (hazu) is used to express a strong expectation or logical conclusion based on objective facts or evidence. It suggests that something is 'supposed to be' or 'should be' the case, assuming nothing unexpected happens. It is not used for obligations or commands, but rather for predictions.
Examples
彼は日本に５年も住んでいたから、日本語が上手なはずです。
Since he lived in Japan for 5 years, his Japanese should be good.
荷物は明日届くはずですよ。
The package is expected to arrive tomorrow.
鍵はかばんの中にあるはずなのに、見つかりません。
The keys should be in my bag, yet I can't find them.
Common mistakes
Don't confuse はず (hazu) with べき (beki). 'Hazu' is for logical probability (it will likely happen), while 'beki' is for moral obligation (you ought to do it).
Tip
Remember the connectors: Verbs use dictionary/plain form, い-adjectives use ~い, な-adjectives use ~な, and nouns use ~の before はず.
More JLPT N4 grammar
See はず in real Japanese
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