らしい

らしい
auxiliary adjective
seems like, apparently, I heard that
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.
明日(あした)は雨(あめ)らしい。
Apparently it will rain tomorrow.
彼(かれ)は来(こ)ないらしい。
I heard he's not coming.
2. typical of, befitting
Attached to nouns to mean 'like' or 'typical of' that noun.
男(おとこ)らしい人(ひと)。
A manly person.

らしい has two main uses:

1. HEARSAY/INFERENCE:

  • Verb (plain) + らしい
  • i-adjective + らしい
  • na-adjective + らしい
  • Noun + らしい

2. TYPICAL OF:

  • Noun + らしい
  • 男(おとこ)らしい = manly
  • 子供(こども)らしい = childlike

CONTRAST:

  • らしい: based on hearsay/inference (less certain)
  • そうだ: based on hearsay (I heard that...)
  • ようだ: based on observation (it appears)
general
Added 2026.2.2 19:21
09500/09502_rashii