N4163/179

らしい ②

Noun + らしいい-adjective + らしいな-adjective + らしいVerb (dictionary form) + らしい

Meanings

  • seems; appears to be
  • typical of; like; befitting

About this pattern

Explanation

らしい② expresses a judgement or inference based on appearance, hearsay, or general impression rather than direct certainty. It can also convey that something has the characteristics or qualities typical of something. When used after a noun or adjective, it often describes how something feels or is perceived as being characteristic. When attached to a verb in its plain form, it means “it seems that …” or “apparently …,” based on information you have heard or inferred. This is more about perception and less about witnessed fact. Typical contexts include making cautious predictions, describing someone’s behavior as typical of a group, or summarizing information from others.

Learn in context

Example sentences

天気予報によると、明日雨が降るらしい。

According to the weather forecast, it seems it will rain tomorrow.

彼は子供らしい元気な声で笑った。

He laughed with a childlike, spirited voice.

彼女は大人らしい落ち着いた振る舞いをする。

She behaves in a manner befitting an adult.

彼は明日来るらしい。

He seems to come tomorrow.