What it means
らしい expresses an inference or report that something seems to be true, based on information, evidence, or what the speaker has heard. It can follow a plain verb, an i-adjective, a noun, or the stem of a na-adjective. With nouns and na-adjectives, do not add だ before らしい. The familiar sentence ending is らしい, while the polite equivalent is らしいです.
Usage note
In this lesson, らしい means “apparently” or “seems like.” It can also mean “typical of” or “characteristic of,” as in a different construction, so the surrounding context is important.
How to use it
あの人は医者らしいです。
That person seems to be a doctor.
田中さんは元気らしいです。
Tanaka-san seems to be well.
この料理は辛いらしいです。
This dish seems to be spicy.
山田さんは来週大阪へ行くらしいです。
It seems that Yamada-san will go to Osaka next week.
あの人は医者らしい。
That person seems to be a doctor.
田中さんは元気らしい。
Tanaka-san seems to be well.
この料理は辛いらしい。
This dish seems to be spicy.
山田さんは来週大阪へ行くらしい。
It seems that Yamada-san will go to Osaka next week.
Example sentences
天気予報によると、午後から雨が降るらしいです。
According to the weather forecast, it seems that it will rain from the afternoon.
図書館の掲示によると、来週は工事のため休館らしいです。
According to the library notice, it seems that the library will be closed next week because of construction.
駅の案内では、電車は十分ほど遅れるらしいです。
According to the station announcement, the train seems to be about ten minutes late.