〜Vる / N + はずだった
- Pattern
- 〜Vる / N + はずだった
- Level
- N4
- Reading
- はずだった
- Meaning
- Was supposed to ~ (but didn't)
- Attaches to
- Verb (dictionary form / ta-form), Noun + の, い-adjective, な-adjective + な
- Nuance & register
Expresses an expectation, plan, or certainty from the past that ultimately did not happen, often implying regret, disappointment, or surprise.
- Example
今日は晴れるはずだったのに、雨だ。
- Easily confused with
「〜つもりだった」 (personal intention that was not realized) vs. 「〜はずだった」 (an expectation or plan, often external, that did not come to fruition, implying surprise or regret).