JLPT N3 reference · Modality and stance
らしい inference
Evidential らしい presents a conclusion based on indirect information, while noun + らしい can mean “typical of.”
Core meaning and form
Attach らしい to a plain clause or noun; it can mark reported inference or a characteristic quality. Compare source-based そうだ and direct-appearance そう before choosing the form.
- Form: Attach らしい to a plain clause or noun; it can mark reported inference or a characteristic quality.
- Core use: Evidential らしい presents a conclusion based on indirect information, while noun + らしい can mean “typical of.”
- Context: Compare source-based そうだ and direct-appearance そう before choosing the form.
Examples in context
田中さんは来ないらしいです。Tanaka-san wa konai rashii desu.Apparently Mr Tanaka is not coming.
この店は安いらしい。Kono mise wa yasui rashii.I hear/apparently this shop is cheap.
今日は春らしい天気です。Kyō wa haru rashii tenki desu.Today has typically spring-like weather.
Common errors
- Do not select this pattern from an English translation alone; check its attachment and discourse function.
- Keep the surrounding sentence in a consistent plain, polite, spoken, or written register.
Quick summary
- Attach らしい to a plain clause or noun; it can mark reported inference or a characteristic quality.
- Evidential らしい presents a conclusion based on indirect information, while noun + らしい can mean “typical of.”
- Compare source-based そうだ and direct-appearance そう before choosing the form.