Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "It" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "it", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
〜はず
〜はず (〜hazu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
どうやら
どうやら (dōyara)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "it" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 〜はず and どうやら.
In Japanese, 〜はず (〜はず (〜hazu)) is typically associated with "it should be, it is expected to be, it is supposed to be" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Expresses a strong expectation or probability based on some information, reasoning, or common sense. Not 100% certainty, but close..
On the other hand, どうやら (どうやら (dōyara)) maps to "it seems like, it appears that, somehow, apparently" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Indicates a conclusion or an assumption based on some evidence or signs, often implying uncertainty or a tentative guess. Can also mean "somehow" or "eventually" with effort.. A literal translation of "it" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "〜はず"
彼はもう駅に着いているはずだ。
He should have arrived at the station by now.
Bilingual Context for "どうやら"
どうやら彼は今日の会議には来られないようだ。
It seems like he won't be able to come to today's meeting.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼はもう駅に着いているはずだ。" (Meaning: "He should have arrived at the station by now.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "〜はず" fits here because it means "it should be, it is expected to be, it is supposed to be" in the context of: "He should have arrived at the station by now.". "どうやら" represents "it seems like, it appears that, somehow, apparently".