Genki Grammar #113: Mastering -hazudesu

Introduction

In this blog, we’ll learn how to use -はずです (-hazudesu) in Japanese to express something that is “supposed to be the case” based on logic, circumstances, or your own beliefs. This pattern is used when you expect something to be true, even if you don’t have direct proof.

What It Means

The pattern –はずです (-hazudesu) is used to express what you think “should” or “must” be true. It’s similar to saying “It is supposed to be…” in English.

For example:

• 今日は土曜日だから、銀行は閉まっているはずです。
  (Kyou wa doyoubi dakara, ginkou wa shimatteiru hazu desu.)
  Banks must be closed because today is Saturday.

When You Use It

Use –はずです (-hazudesu) when you believe something is true based on knowledge, logic, or circumstances. You can also use it to express expectations or assumptions.

For example:

• レポートの締め切りはあしたじゃないはずです。
  (Repooto no shimekiri wa ashita janai hazu desu.)
  I believe that the paper is not due tomorrow.

Examples

1. 彼は家にいるはずです。
   (Kare wa ie ni iru hazu desu.)
   He should be at home.
2. テストは簡単なはずです。
   (Tesuto wa kantan na hazu desu.)
   The test is supposed to be easy.
3. 雨は降らないはずです。
   (Ame wa furanai hazu desu.)
   It shouldn’t rain.

How to Form -はずです

1. Verbs: Short form + はずです
   • 来るはずです (kuru hazu desu) = “He is supposed to come.”
2. い-adjectives: Adjective + はずです
   • おもしろいはずです (omoshirokatta hazu desu) = “It is supposed to be interesting.”
3. な-adjectives: Adjective + な + はずです
   • 元気なはずです (genki na hazu desu) = “He is supposed to be healthy.”
4. Nouns: Noun + の + はずです
   • 日本人のはずです (Nihonjin no hazu desu) = “He is supposed to be Japanese.”

Using -はずでした (was supposed to)

You can turn –はずです into the past tense to talk about things that were supposed to happen but didn’t.

For example:

• きのう電話をもらうはずでしたが、電話がありませんでした。
  (Kinou denwa o morau hazu deshita ga, denwa ga arimasen deshita.)
  I was supposed to receive a phone call yesterday, but I didn’t.

Note

• Negative Forms: You can use negative verbs or adjectives before –はずです to express what is not supposed to happen.
  For example:
  • 彼がうそをつくはずがありません。
    (Kare ga uso o tsuku hazu ga arimasen.)
    I cannot imagine that he would tell a lie.
  • はずがない / はずがありません is used to express that something is inconceivable or impossible.

Conclusion

The -はずです (-hazudesu) pattern helps you express logical assumptions or beliefs about what should be true. By using this pattern, you can convey expectations in various situations.

Recommended Resources

For a deeper understanding of -はずです (-hazudesu), I recommend “A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar.” In this book, you can find it listed under the entry -hazu. The explanation is detailed and provides various examples showing how to use -hazu to express expectations or assumptions. If you want to strengthen your understanding and learn more about similar grammar points, this book is a great resource.