Meaning
〜らしいです is used to express hearsay or information you've heard from others, similar to 〜そうです. However, 〜らしいです is typically used for unclear or rumored information, while 〜そうです is used for more definite information. Additionally, when attached to nouns (noun + らしい), it describes typical characteristics or qualities that are characteristic of something.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 动词辞书形 | らしいです |
| 动词（た形） | らしいです |
| い形容词 | らしいです |
| な形容词 | らしいです |
| 名词 | らしいです |
Examples
-
友達から聞いたんですが、富士山に登るのは大変だったらしいです。
I heard from a friend that climbing Mt. Fuji apparently was very difficult. -
高校からあの二人は付き合っているらしいですよ。
It seems like those two have been dating since high school. -
その話は本当らしいね。
That story seems to be true, doesn't it? -
ここはアメリカらしいです。
This place really has an American feel to it. -
子供らしい
Childish; acting like a child should. -
男らしい
Manly; having masculine qualities.
Summary
- Use 〜らしいです for hearsay and unconfirmed information you've heard from others
- Attach らしい directly to nouns to express typical characteristics or qualities (noun + らしい)
- The noun + らしい form differs from the hearsay form; it means 'typical of' or 'characteristic of' something