〜はずがない

there’s no way that...; it’s impossible that...

1. Overview

"〜はずがない" is used when the speaker is certain that something is not possible based on logic, evidence, or common sense. It is often employed to refute or deny a statement or assumption, emphasizing the impossibility of a situation.

2. Structure

• Verb (plain form) + はずがない
• Noun + のはずがない
• い-Adjective (plain form) + はずがない
• な-Adjective + なはずがない

3. Usage Explanation

1. Expressing Impossibility: The structure is used when the speaker strongly believes that something cannot be true or cannot happen. It is often based on logic or reasoning.

   • Example: 彼がそんなことをするはずがない。
     (There’s no way he would do something like that.)

2. Denying a Possibility: It is frequently used to deny a possibility or to show disbelief about something that has been suggested.

   • Example: この問題はそんなに簡単なはずがない。
     (There’s no way this problem is that easy.)

4. Example Sentences

1. 彼が嘘をつくはずがない。
   (There’s no way he would lie.)

2. あのレストランがそんなにまずいはずがない。
   (It’s impossible for that restaurant to be that bad.)

3. 私が彼に負けるはずがない。
   (There’s no way I’ll lose to him.)

4. 彼女がここに来るはずがない。
   (It’s impossible that she’ll come here.)

5. Key Points to Note

1. "〜はずがない" expresses strong confidence that something is not true or cannot happen. It often reflects the speaker’s disbelief or denial based on logical reasoning or past experience.
2. This expression can be used both in formal and informal speech, but it generally carries a strong and assertive tone.

6. Similar Grammar

• 〜わけがない: This structure also expresses impossibility, but it often carries a more personal tone, implying the speaker’s disbelief or indignation.
  • Example: 彼がそんなことをするわけがない。
    (There’s no way he would do something like that.)

7. Alternative Grammar

• 〜っこない: A more casual form, often used in spoken Japanese to express strong disbelief or impossibility.
  • Example: あんなに遠い場所まで歩けっこない。
    (There’s no way I can walk to such a far place.)

8. Summary

"〜はずがない" is a grammatical structure used to express impossibility or strong disbelief. It is based on the speaker’s reasoning or evidence and is commonly used to refute or deny a statement. It conveys a strong tone of certainty that something cannot be true or happen.