# はずがない: there is no way that > Learn how to use はずがない, a JLPT N4 Japanese grammar point meaning there is no way that, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N4 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n4-hazu-ga-nai/ **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 - there is no way that 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

Verb (plain) + はずがない

i-adj (plain) + はずがない

Noun + の + はずがない

Examples of the pattern: - 来(く)るはずがない - 高(たか)いはずがない - 本当(ほんとう)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(かれ)が忘(わす)れるはずがありません。

There is no way he would forget.

Polite

こんなに安(やす)いはずがない。

There is no way it is this cheap.

Casual

田中(たなか)さんが来(こ)ないはずがありません。

There is no way Tanaka will not come.

Polite

この話(はなし)が本当(ほんとう)のはずがない。

This story cannot be true.

Casual

一日(いちにち)で終(お)わるはずがありません。

There is no way it will finish in one day.

Polite

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 **はずがない** and **はずだ** can appear in related sentences, but they are different.

はずがない

strongly denies possibility or expectation

彼(かれ)が忘(わす)れるはずがありません。

There is no way he would forget.

はずだ

expresses expectation that something should be true

彼(かれ)が忘(わす)れたはずだ。

He should have forgotten.

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

❌ 高(たか)くはずがない

✅ 高(たか)いはずがない

Use the plain form of i-adjectives, not the adverbial く form.

❌ 田中(たなか)さんはもう来(き)たはずがない

✅ 田中(たなか)さんはもう来(き)たはずだ

はずがない denies possibility; use はずだ when you mean expectation.

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.

Recognize it in reading and listening
Understand its nuance of strong denial in context
Use it in simple original sentences with the correct plain form

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

1 Write one sentence using the basic pattern. Formation

2 Change the sentence into polite or casual style if possible. Style

3 Compare it with the related pattern from the comparison section. Comparison

Keep the sentences short at first. Once the form feels natural, add time words, places, reasons, or contrast to make the sentence more realistic. ## Learning path for はずがない

1 Make sure you can form はずがない with verbs, i-adjectives, and nouns without looking at the pattern chart.

2 Compare it with はずだ. Choosing between them helps you understand the nuance of denial versus expectation.

3 Review related N4 patterns like られる, やすい, and にくい to see how possibility and ease interact with negation.

4 Write one sentence that uses はずがない in its most literal meaning, one that changes the subject or time expression, and one that contrasts it with a related pattern.

## Related grammar to review next - [られる](/blog/n4-rareru/) — strengthens the contrast between ability, ease, difficulty, and negation. - [やすい](/blog/n4-yasui/) — strengthens the contrast between ability, ease, difficulty, and negation. - [にくい](/blog/n4-nikui/) — strengthens the contrast between ability, ease, difficulty, and negation. - [づらい](/blog/n4-zurai/) — strengthens the contrast between ability, ease, difficulty, and negation. ## Learn はずがない with Hane If you want to review **はずがない** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N4 grammar lessons](/blog/n4/)