Japanese word

はず

Pronunciation

Romajihazu

Meaning

  • nounsupposed to be

Example

今日は雨のはずです。kyō wa ame no ha zu de su

It is supposed to rain today.

Illustration for はず (supposed to be)

More examples

来週には新しい店が開くはずです。rai shū ni wa atara shi i mise ga hira ku ha zu de su

The new store is supposed to open next week.

Core concept

Expresses an expectation that something fits the available facts or a prior plan.

Common phrases

  • 来るはずku ru ha zu

    be supposed to come

  • はずがないha zu ga na i

    cannot possibly be

  • そのはずso no ha zu

    That should be so

  • はずだったha zu da tta

    was supposed to be

Similar words

予定yotei: A future action or event that has been planned or arranged.
見込みmikomi: An expected possibility based on current conditions or information.
期待kitai: A belief that a desired event or result will occur.

Definition in Japanese

ある事実や情報から、当然そうだと予想されること。a ru ji jitsu ya jō hō ka ra tō zen sō da to yo sō sa re ru ko to

Word origin

The native noun はず (hazu) is written 筈 (hazu, "nock of an arrow"), and its sense of an expected result is linked to the idea of something fitting properly.

Usage tips

  • The pattern はずです (hazu desu) presents a conclusion as expected from information or a plan, rather than expressing an order.

Word lists with this word