〜らしい

Seems like...; It appears that...; I heard that...

1. Overview

The expression 「〜らしい」 in Japanese is used to convey a judgment or inference based on information received or observed phenomena. It is typically used to describe the characteristics or state of a person or thing.

2. Structure

• Grammar Structure:

  • Verb (dictionary form) + らしい
  • い-adjective (dictionary form) + らしい
  • な-adjective + らしい
  • Noun + らしい

• Explanation: This structure indicates a judgment made based on existing information, suggesting that something looks or sounds like that.

3. Usage Explanation

• Connection: Commonly used in both spoken and written language to express a judgment made based on external information or personal observation.

• Meaning: Generally translates to "It seems that...," "I heard that...," or "It looks like..."

4. Example Sentences

1. 彼は忙しいらしい。
   I heard that he is busy.

2. この映画は面白いらしい。
   It seems that this movie is interesting.

3. 彼女は日本に住んでいるらしい。
   It appears that she lives in Japan.

4. 明日は雨が降るらしい。
   I heard that it will rain tomorrow.

5. あの店は安いらしい。
   It seems that store is cheap.

5. Alternative Grammar

• 〜そうだ: Another way to express something heard, usually more direct.
  • Example: 彼は忙しいそうだ。
    I heard that he is busy.

6. Related Grammar

• 〜ようだ: Indicates a conclusion drawn from observation, with a stronger tone.
  • Example: 彼は疲れているようだ。
    It looks like he is tired.

7. Points to Note

• Context: 「〜らしい」 is typically used in informal contexts to express inferences based on heard information or personal judgment.

• Tone: This expression conveys a sense of uncertainty and is often used to describe the behavior, state, or characteristics of others or things.

8. Summary

「〜らしい」 is a grammatical structure used to express judgments based on received information or personal observations, helping to convey impressions and inferences about something in conversation.