はずがない means there is no way that. It is a JLPT N4 Japanese grammar pattern used to strongly deny that something is possible or expected.
This grammar point often appears in conversation, written explanations, formal notices, and JLPT-style reading questions. If you want to strongly deny that something is possible or expected, はずがない is a useful pattern to learn after the N5 basics.
What does はずがない mean?
Use はずがない when you want to strongly deny that something is possible or expected.
Natural translations include:
- cannot be
- impossible
- cannot be; impossible
The exact English translation changes with context. Focus on what the grammar point does in the sentence first, then choose the English phrase that sounds natural.
How to form はずがない
Plain form + はずがない
Examples of the pattern:
- 来るはずがない
- 高いはずがない
- 本当のはずがない
Pay attention to the word form before the pattern. Many JLPT N4 mistakes happen because the meaning is understood, but the grammar is attached to the wrong form.
When is はずがない used?
Use はずがない in situations like:
- explaining a condition, reason, decision, or time relationship
- making a sentence more specific than a basic N5 pattern
- understanding natural Japanese in conversation or reading
Tone and register:
- neutral unless the grammar itself is marked as casual, humble, honorific, or formal
- Common in daily speech, textbook examples, and JLPT N4 reading questions
はずがない example sentences
- 彼が忘れるはずがありません。 — There is no way he would forget.
- こんなに安いはずがない。 — There is no way it is this cheap.
- 田中さんが来ないはずがありません。 — There is no way Tanaka will not come.
- この話が本当のはずがない。 — This story cannot be true.
- 一日で終わるはずがありません。 — There is no way it will finish in one day.
Read the Japanese sentence first, then check the English translation. Try to notice what the grammar point contributes: condition, timing, limitation, possibility, decision, politeness, or emphasis.
Nuance of はずがない
The key nuance is strongly says the expectation is impossible.
This matters because はずがない may look simple in English, but the Japanese form tells you whether the speaker is describing a time, a condition, a decision, a possibility, or a social relationship.
For example:
- In context, はずがない helps make the sentence more precise than a direct English translation.
- Compared with はずだ, it has a different focus even when both patterns appear in similar sentences.
はずがない vs はずだ
Both {jp} and {similar} can appear in related sentences, but they are different.
はずがない:
- is the target JLPT N4 pattern in this lesson
- carries the specific nuance explained above
はずだ:
- is useful for comparison because learners often mix it up
- may use a different form, tone, or sentence focus
Quick contrast examples:
- Target pattern: 彼が忘れるはずがありません。 — There is no way he would forget.
- Related pattern with はずだ: compare the form and ask whether the sentence is about timing, condition, ability, decision, or politeness.
If you are unsure which one to use, identify the main job of the sentence before translating it into English.
Common mistakes with はずがない
Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using it with the wrong verb, noun, or adjective form
- Confusing it with はずだ because the English translation can look similar
- Translating it too literally instead of reading the whole sentence context
A good study habit is to write one short sentence and then change only the grammar point. This makes the difference between similar patterns easier to feel.
Is はずがない on the JLPT?
Yes. はずがない is commonly taught as JLPT N4 grammar.
That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences
For test preparation, do not only memorize the English gloss. Practice identifying the words around the grammar point, because JLPT questions often test structure and context together.
Practice questions for はずがない
Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Write one sentence using the basic pattern.
- Change the sentence into polite or casual style if possible.
- Compare it with the related pattern from the comparison section.
Keep the sentences short at first. Once the form feels natural, add time words, places, reasons, or contrast to make the sentence more realistic.
Learn はずがない with Kanjiru
If you want to review はずがない together with kanji, vocabulary, and other JLPT N4 patterns, Kanjiru helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions.
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