Japanese grammar
What does ～らしい mean? Japanese grammar N3
～らしい means seem like / I hear that (external deduction); or Nらしい = typical of N / truly N-like.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | 普通形 + らしい N + らしい |
| Romaji | rashii |
| Meaning | seem like / I hear that (external deduction); or Nらしい = typical of N / truly N-like |
Forming it
| Inference | 雨が降る + らしい |
|---|---|
| True to type | 男 + らしい／先生 + らしい |
How to use it
Conveys an assumption based on information heard/seen; or attaches to a noun to say "truly has the traits of N".
- Meaning (1): 「～らしい」 conveys an assumption based on information HEARD or SEEN from an outside source, more objective than 「～ようだ」: "it seems, I hear".
- Meaning (2): 「Nらしい」 (attached to a noun) means "truly N, having the full traits of N": 男らしい (manly), 春らしい (truly spring-like).
- Distinguish the two meanings by context: after the plain form = inference; after a noun describing a trait = true to type.
Examples
天気予報によると、明日は雨らしい。
According to the forecast, it seems it will rain tomorrow.
彼は本当に先生らしい人だ。
He is truly a teacher-like person.
Keep in mind
- A conjecture based on an outside source; for a direct personal impression, use 「ようだ」 instead.
- As a modifier: 「N + らしい + N」 (先生らしい人).
Common mistakes
-
Wrong私が食べているケーキはおいしいらしい。
The cake I'm eating is delicious.
Correct私が食べているケーキはおいしい。
One's own DIRECT sensation does not use 「らしい」 (which relies on an outside source); state it plainly or use 「ようだ」.
-
Wrong今日は春らしいだ。
Today is truly spring-like.
Correct今日は春らしい。
「らしい」 conjugates like an i-adjective; do not add 「だ」 (春らしい).
Exam tips
- 「らしい」 = I hear (outside source), or 「Nらしい」 = truly N; direct sensation uses 「ようだ」.