JLPT N4 grammar
〜はずがない — Meaning & Examples
"There is no way." Strong denial based on reasoning. 彼が嘘をつくはずがない = there is no way he would lie.
Practice questions
Try these 2 questions on 〜はずがない. Pick an answer in your head, then open “Show answer”.
1. そんなことあるはずがない means?
- That might happen
- There is no way that is true
- That should happen
- That will probably happen
Show answer
Answer: There is no way that is true
はずがない = strong denial based on reasoning: "there is no way." 彼が嘘をつくはずがない = there is no way he would lie.
2. You just saw on the news that the trains have stopped. Your friend is late. The most natural comment is?
- 道に迷ったかもしれない
- もうすぐ来るでしょう
- 来るはずがない
- 電車が止まったにちがいない
Show answer
Answer: 電車が止まったにちがいない
You have strong evidence, so にちがいない (must be, no doubt) fits. かもしれない would understate what you know.
Practise 〜はずがない in the free app
This point is part of the “🤔 How Sure Are You? — でしょう・かもしれない・はず・にちがいない” lesson in A Star Japanese. Study it with examples, a quiz, flashcards and timed JLPT N4 mock exams. Free on iPhone and Android.
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Related N4 grammar points
From the same lesson: 🤔 How Sure Are You? — でしょう・かもしれない・はず・にちがいない
Frequently asked questions
What does 〜はずがない mean?
"There is no way." Strong denial based on reasoning. 彼が嘘をつくはずがない = there is no way he would lie.
Is 〜はずがない on the JLPT N4 test?
〜はずがない is taught in the JLPT N4 grammar course in A Star Japanese (lesson “🤔 How Sure Are You? — でしょう・かもしれない・はず・にちがいない”), so it is a pattern learners at this level are expected to recognise. The JLPT does not publish an official grammar list, so treat this as a study guide rather than an official requirement.
How can I practise 〜はずがない?
Open the “🤔 How Sure Are You? — でしょう・かもしれない・はず・にちがいない” lesson in the free A Star Japanese app for iPhone and Android. It has examples, a quiz after every lesson, flashcards with spaced repetition and timed JLPT N4 mock exams, with no ads.