Translation and Meaning of: 筈 - hazu

The Japanese word 筈 (はず) is a versatile term frequently used in daily life, but it can generate confusion for language learners. Its main meaning is related to the idea of expectation, assumption, or something that "should be" a certain way. In this article, we will explore the usage of this word, its origins, and how it fits into Japanese communication. If you have ever wondered how the Japanese express certainties or probabilities, understanding 筈 is essential.

In addition to its linguistic meaning, 筈 carries interesting cultural nuances, reflecting how the Japanese deal with predictions and social obligations. In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you will find practical examples and phrases that help memorize this term. Let's uncover everything from its writing in kanji to situations where it appears in everyday dialogues.

Meaning and use of 筈 (はず)

筈 (はず) is a particle that indicates a logical expectation or something that should happen based on known information. For example, if someone says "彼は来るはずです" (kare wa kuru hazu desu), it means "He should come" or "It is expected that he will come." The word conveys a certainty based on evidence, but without absolute assurance.

Unlike words like だろう (darou) or かもしれない (kamoshirenai), which express more vague assumptions, 筈 (hazu) brings a tone of logical reasoning. It is common in explanations, justifications, or when trying to predict an outcome based on facts. However, if the expectation does not materialize, Japanese people often use はずがなかった (hazu ga nakatta) to express surprise or frustration.

Origin and writing of the kanji 筈

The kanji 筈 is composed of the radicals for "bamboo" (竹) and "mouth" (口), combined with other strokes that suggest the idea of "fitting" or "adjustment." Originally, this word was related to arrows and bows, indicating the place where the arrow fits into the bow. Over time, its meaning evolved to something that "fits" logically, hence the sense of expectation.

Despite its interesting origin, 筈 is not one of the most common kanjis in modern Japanese. It is often written in hiragana (はず) to simplify, especially in informal texts. However, knowing its kanji form helps to better understand its meaning and connection with other in the language.

Tips for memorizing and using 筈 correctly

An effective way to memorize 筈 is to associate it with situations where something was expected but did not happen. Sentences like "電車は時間通りに来るはずだった" (The train was supposed to arrive on time) are useful for practice. Anki and other spaced repetition apps can help reinforce this type of construction.

Another tip is to pay attention to dialogues in animes or dramas where characters express frustration or confirmation of expectations. Words like 当然 (touzen - "obvious") or 予想通り (yosou doori - "as expected") often appear alongside 筈, reinforcing their contextual use.