should be ~, supposed to be ~

Beginner

15-20 min

very common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Expresses strong expectation based on logical reasoning.

[Plain form] + はずだ

彼はもう着いたはずです。

Kare wa mou tsuita hazu desu.

He should have arrived already.

鍵はここにあるはずだったのに。

Kagi wa koko ni aru hazu datta noni.

The key was supposed to be here.

Shows strong conviction based on logic, not just hope.

～てもいいです

may do ~, it's okay to do ~

～てはいけません

must not do ~, not allowed to do ~

～なければなりません

must do ~, have to do ~

～なくてもいいです

don't have to do ~, don't need to do ~

Use when you have good reason to expect something.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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