〜らしい
seems / apparently
Share a guess without presenting it as a certain fact.
Remember it
Leave room for doubt by adding 〜らしい.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜らしい」 means "seems / apparently". Structure: Plain + らしい. This is a JLPT N3 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
It softens predictions and helps you avoid sounding too certain.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1利用は中止になったらしいです。
りよう は ちゅうし に なった らしい です。
riyou wa chuushi ni natta rashii desu.
Apparently the use was cancelled.
Everyday life
Example 2指導は中止になったらしいです。
しどう は ちゅうし に なった らしい です。
shidou wa chuushi ni natta rashii desu.
Apparently the guidance was cancelled.
Everyday life
Example 3記録は中止になったらしいです。
きろく は ちゅうし に なった らしい です。
kiroku wa chuushi ni natta rashii desu.
Apparently the record was cancelled.
Everyday life
Example 4配送は中止になったらしいです。
はいそう は ちゅうし に なった らしい です。
haisou wa chuushi ni natta rashii desu.
Apparently the shipping was cancelled.
Everyday life
Example 5通訳は中止になったらしいです。
つうやく は ちゅうし に なった らしい です。
tsuuyaku wa chuushi ni natta rashii desu.
Apparently the interpretation was cancelled.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
Apparently the use was cancelled.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜らしい.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.