N4139/179

はずがない

Verb (plain) + はずがないNoun + の + はずがないい-adjective (plain) + はずがないな-adjective + な + はずがないことはなくても + はずがない? (common misuse caution)

Meanings

  • Hardly possible
  • Cannot be
  • Highly unlikely
  • Improbable

About this pattern

Explanation

はずがない is used when the speaker is certain that something cannot be the case, often because of strong evidence, expectations, or common sense. It conveys a firm denial of a situation that would be surprising or unacceptable if true. It can sound confident or even blunt, so use in casual or familiar contexts, and with care in formal settings. Typical contexts: denying someone’s claim, rejecting a possibility you know is false, or reacting to something that was rumored but you are sure it’s not true. Do not use for mere guesses or probabilities; use when you are sure and want to emphasize the impossibility.

Learn in context

Example sentences

彼が約束の時間に遅れるはずがない。

He wouldn’t be late for the arranged time.

そんな簡単な問題を間違えるはずがない。

It's impossible to get this easy problem wrong.

この高級車を私が買えるはずがない。

I could never afford such an expensive car.

このニュースは嘘のはずがない。

This news can't be false.