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
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
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.
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
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
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
Related grammar to review next
- られる — strengthens the contrast between ability, ease, difficulty, and negation.
- やすい — strengthens the contrast between ability, ease, difficulty, and negation.
- にくい — strengthens the contrast between ability, ease, difficulty, and negation.
- づらい — 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:
FAQ about はずがない
What does はずがない mean in Japanese?
はずがない means “there is no way that” in Japanese. It is an N4 grammar point, and this lesson explains its formation, nuance, example sentences, common mistakes, and similar grammar.
Is はずがない on the JLPT?
はずがない is taught as N4 Japanese grammar in Hane's grammar lesson archive. Review it with examples, usage notes, and related N4 patterns.
How should I practice はずがない?
Read several example sentences, identify the form before and after はずがない, then make your own short sentences and compare it with nearby grammar points.