〜はずがない
cannot possibly be
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜はずがない” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜はずがない」 means "cannot possibly be". Structure: Plain + はずがない. This is a JLPT N3 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1彼が利用を忘れるはずがありません。
かれ が りよう を わすれる はず が ありません。
kare ga riyou o wasureru hazu ga arimasen.
He cannot possibly forget the use.
Everyday life
Example 2彼が指導を忘れるはずがありません。
かれ が しどう を わすれる はず が ありません。
kare ga shidou o wasureru hazu ga arimasen.
He cannot possibly forget the guidance.
Everyday life
Example 3彼が記録を忘れるはずがありません。
かれ が きろく を わすれる はず が ありません。
kare ga kiroku o wasureru hazu ga arimasen.
He cannot possibly forget the record.
Everyday life
Example 4彼が配送を忘れるはずがありません。
かれ が はいそう を わすれる はず が ありません。
kare ga haisou o wasureru hazu ga arimasen.
He cannot possibly forget the shipping.
Everyday life
Example 5彼が通訳を忘れるはずがありません。
かれ が つうやく を わすれる はず が ありません。
kare ga tsuuyaku o wasureru hazu ga arimasen.
He cannot possibly forget the interpretation.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
He cannot possibly forget the use.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜はずがない.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.