はず
Meanings
auxiliary
should; bound to; expected to
Expresses a logical expectation or natural conclusion based on reason or common sense. Often translated as 'should' or 'supposed to', but it does not imply obligation. Used after verbs and adjectives in the plain form.
He should be here soon.
That can't be right.
She ought to know.
Refers to the notch at the end of a bow or arrow where the string is fitted. A specialized archery term.
Fit the string into the nock of the bow.
nock-shaped grip (sumo)
In sumo, a grip where the wrestler hooks his thumb and forefinger around the opponent's arm, resembling the nock of an arrow. Also seen in the compound はず押し.
See also: はず押し (はずおし)
The nock-shaped grip is one of the basic techniques in sumo.
wooden frame on a ship's mast tip
Historical nautical term for a wooden fitting at the top of a mast on a traditional Japanese ship, used to keep the hawser in place. Rare and archaic.
A part called a 'hazu' was attached to the tip of the mast on Japanese ships.
Usage patterns
- 〈動詞〉はずだshould/be expected to (based on logical reasoning)
He should have already arrived home.
- 〈動詞〉はずがないthere's no way that ~ (strong denial of possibility)
There's no way he would say something like that.
- 〈動詞〉はずだったwas supposed to happen (but didn't, or turned out otherwise)
The meeting was supposed to start at 3.
- 〈形容詞〉はずだshould be (adjective) — a logical expectation about a state
It should be hot at this time of year.