JLPT N4 grammar

〜はずmeaning and usage

Meaning

It should be A; it ought to be A

This point is also listed at N3.

How to form it

  • verb (plain form)/い-adjectiveはず
  • な-adjective (stem)なはず
  • nounのはず

How it is used

An expectation based on facts or reasoning: “should be, is supposed to”. It is not advice; for that, use 「〜べきだ」 or 「〜た方がいい」. 「〜はずだった」 means it was supposed to happen but didn't.

Examples

  1. 彼女は宿題を終えてしまったはずだ。

    She should have finished her homework by now.

  2. 店は十時に開くはずです。

    The shop should open at ten.

  3. 電車は九時に着くはずだったのに、まだ来ない。

    The train was supposed to arrive at nine, but it still hasn't come.