Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 4
What はずだ Means
Use to express a logical expectation.
Start with the example
。
Tanaka is expected to have arrived at the station already.
The speaker has a reason, such as the schedule or departure time.
Notice the variation
。
This bag is supposed to cost 5,000 yen.
The expectation comes from prior knowledge, not a rule.
More detail: how to apply this
means 'should,' 'is expected to,' or 'ought to be the case' based on some reason.
It is not a moral command.
It is a logical conclusion from what the speaker knows.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Identify the premise behind an expectation and ask whether the passage also supplies direct confirmation.
presents an expectation based on the known schedule. It is not a moral instruction to the library or proof that someone checked the door.
、。
This library closes on Sundays, so it should be closed today.
Identify the premise behind an expectation and ask whether the passage also supplies direct confirmation.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
Tanaka is expected to have arrived at the station already.
The speaker has a reason, such as the schedule or departure time.
Vocabulary notes
- 田中さん
- Tanaka
Compare in context
。
This bag is supposed to cost 5,000 yen.
The expectation comes from prior knowledge, not a rule.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
- かばん
- bag
- はずだ
- should; be expected to
Section 2 of 4
What It Is Not
What It Is Not
Start with the example
、。
This library closes on Sundays, so it should be closed today.
In a Sunday context, the stated schedule supports the expectation. does not itself rule out a special opening.
Notice the variation
。
He should keep his promise.
This is a judgment about what is right, not a factual expectation.
More detail: how to apply this
is different from .
is about what someone ought to do.
is about what the speaker thinks is true.
It is also stronger and more evidence-based than .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
This library closes on Sundays, so it should be closed today.
In a Sunday context, the stated schedule supports the expectation. does not itself rule out a special opening.
、。
This library closes on Sundays, so it should be closed today.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: This library closes on Sundays, so it should be closed today.
Showing What It Is Not: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
This library closes on Sundays, so it should be closed today.
In a Sunday context, the stated schedule supports the expectation. does not itself rule out a special opening.
Preview
。
He should keep his promise.
This is a judgment about what is right, not a factual expectation.
Section 3 of 4
Useful Variations in Reading
Identify the premise behind an expectation and ask whether the passage also supplies direct confirmation.
Useful Variations in Reading
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
The regular Sunday closure supplies the reason used in the inference. The reading assumes today is Sunday in this context.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
You will often meet in explanatory prose, and or in dialogue and narratives.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
If someone practices every day, improvement should follow.
The conclusion is based on a clear reason.
、。
If someone practices every day, improvement should follow.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: If someone practices every day, improvement should follow.
Showing Useful Variations in Reading: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
If someone practices every day, improvement should follow.
The conclusion is based on a clear reason.
Vocabulary notes
- だから
- so; therefore
Preview
。。
That can't be right. Let's check again.
Such expressions show strong rejection of an expectation.
Vocabulary notes
- はず
- supposed to; expected to
- ない
- not; there is not
- もう一度
- one more time; again
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
Example B
Your turn · decide before revealing
How do these two examples change the meaning?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
relies on reasoning or expectation;
explicitly supplies observation.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
relies on reasoning or expectation; explicitly supplies observation.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Expect arrival from grounds / witnessed the arrived person
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.