![Joy expecting a train [Hazu] vs. Joy teaching a rule [Beki]](https://jplt-dialogplus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/hazu.png)
Joy expecting a train [Hazu] vs. Joy teaching a rule [Beki]
“The train should arrive now.” vs. “You should study more.”
In English, both are “Should.” But in Japanese, we use 〜はず (Hazu) and 〜べき (Beki). One is for “Expectation” and the other is for “Duty.” Let’s master the difference!
🗣 Conversation Scene
Joy is waiting for a package, but she hasn’t studied for her test.
メールに書いてありましたから。
(The package “should” come at 2:00. Because it was written in the email.)
荷物（にもつ）を待（ま）つ間（あいだ）、勉強（べんきょう）するべき ですよ！
(I see. But Joy, you have a test. You “should” study while waiting!)
💡 Explanation
Both words connect to the Dictionary Form of verbs (usually).
Point 1: Hazu (〜はず) = Logical Expectation
Use this when you have a reason or evidence to believe something. It means “I expect that…” or “It is supposed to be…”
- 田中（たなか）さんは 日本人（にほんじん）ですから、漢字（かんじ）が 分（わ）かるはずです。
(Tanaka-san is Japanese, so [I expect] he understands Kanji.) - この店（みせ）は 今日（きょう）、休（やす）みのはずです。
(This shop should be closed today [according to the schedule].)
Point 2: Beki (〜べき) = Duty / Obligation
Use this when you talk about rules, morals, or common sense. It means “One must…” or “It is the right thing to do.”
- 借（か）りた お金（かね）は 返（かえ）すべきです。
(You should/must return borrowed money.) - もっと 野菜（やさい）を 食（た）べるべきです。
(You should eat more vegetables [for your health].)
📊 Comparison / Common Mistake
🚧 Joy’s Mistake
❌ Wrong: 明日（あした）は 雨（あめ）が 降（ふ）るべきです。
(Rain does not have a “duty” to fall!)
✅ Right: 明日（あした）は 雨（あめ）が 降（ふ）るはずです。
(According to the forecast, I expect rain.)
🔥 Practice Quiz
Tap to check the answer!
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