らしい

らしい
auxiliary
seems like, apparently, I heard that
grammatical
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.
Apparently it will rain tomorrow.
I heard he's not coming.
2. typical of, befitting
Attached to nouns to mean 'like' or 'typical of' that noun.
A manly person.

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.

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)