1.
seems like, apparently, I heard that
Indicates hearsay or inference based on evidence. Used when the speaker has indirect information suggesting something is likely true.
らしい has two distinct uses with different grammatical behavior.
SENSE 1 — HEARSAY/INFERENCE:
Attaches to the plain form of verbs, adjectives, and nouns. Indicates the speaker has indirect evidence or heard from someone.
- 雨らしい (apparently it's rain / it seems like rain)
- 来ないらしい (apparently [they] won't come)
- 彼は学生らしい (I hear he's a student)
SENSE 2 — TYPICAL OF:
Attaches to nouns. Means "-like" or "befitting."
Contrast with similar forms
- らしい: hearsay or inference (secondhand information)
- そうだ (hearsay): I heard that... (reporting what someone said)
- そうだ (appearance): looks like... (based on visual impression)
- ようだ: it appears (based on the speaker's own observation)
- みたいだ: seems like (casual equivalent of ようだ)
Related Words
Compare:
そうだ (hearsay, appearance)
Compare:
ようだ (it seems)
Compare:
みたいだ (it seems)
Compare:
ような (like)