〜はずです
should be / expected to
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜はずです” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜はずです」 means "should be / expected to". Structure: Plain form + はずです. This is a JLPT N4 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: Polite
A safe choice for everyday conversations, shops, school, and the workplace.
Use
Hear it in real life
At work
Example 1会議は三時に終わるはずです。
かいぎ は さんじ に おわる はず です。
kaigi wa sanji ni owaru hazu desu.
The meeting should end at three.
Everyday life
Example 2紹介は三時に終わるはずです。
しょうかい は さんじ に おわる はず です。
shoukai wa sanji ni owaru hazu desu.
The introduction should end at three.
Everyday life
Example 3経験は三時に終わるはずです。
けいけん は さんじ に おわる はず です。
keiken wa sanji ni owaru hazu desu.
The experience should end at three.
Everyday life
Example 4翻訳は三時に終わるはずです。
ほんやく は さんじ に おわる はず です。
hon'yaku wa sanji ni owaru hazu desu.
The translation should end at three.
Everyday life
Example 5給料は三時に終わるはずです。
きゅうりょう は さんじ に おわる はず です。
kyuuryou wa sanji ni owaru hazu desu.
The salary should end at three.
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
The meeting should end at three.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜はずです.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.