Conjecture with 〜らしい

Grammar: Hearsay » 〜らしい

らしい generally expresses conjecture based on what the speaker believes is reliable information they have heard, seen, or read.

Comparable words in English include “seems”, “looks like”, “apparently”, and “I heard”.

Usage

As an auxiliary adjective, らしい may attach to a noun, adjective, or verb.

A preceding verb is plain form; may be in present, past, or present progressive tense; and may be affirmative or negative.

Examples

Heard about getting along with animals with 〜らしい

Chino is fascinated by the rabbit at a rival tea shop, but she keeps her distance.

ココア:

「触(さわ)らないの？」

“You're not going to touch it?”

リゼ:

「チノはティッピー以外(いがい)の動物(どうぶつ)が懐(なつ)かないらしい」

“It seems that animals other than Tippy don’t warm up to Chino.”

らしい indicates Rize is reporting something she heard or observed, rather than stating it as a confirmed fact.

Heard about the effects of the hot water 〜らしい

Rize says she heard the hot water here has a good effect on high blood pressure and joint pain.

リゼ:

「ここのお湯(ゆ)は高血圧(こうけつあつ)や関節痛(かんせつつう)に効果(こうか)があるらしい」