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seems like / typical of
Definition
The grammar pattern 'Noun + らしい / Verb-plain + らしい / Adj-plain + らしい' is used to describe something that possesses the quintessential qualities of its noun. It implies that the subject is characteristic of or typical of the noun. This pattern is often used to make an inference based on hearsay or objective evidence. It is essential to note that this pattern should not be confused with 'sou da' for hearsay or 'みたい' for resemblance. The correct usage of this pattern requires a deeper understanding of the subject and its characteristics.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | Noun + らしい | 学生らしい (typical of a student) |
| Verb-plain | Verb-plain + らしい | 走るらしい (typical of someone who runs) |
| Adj-plain | Adj-plain + らしい | 大きならしい (typical of something big) |
Examples
今日は春らしい、とても暖かい日ですね。
Kyō wa haru rashii, totemo atsukai hi desu ne.
It's a very warm day today, typical of spring.
今日は (today) + 春らしい (typical of spring) + とても (very) + 暖かい (warm) + 日 (day) + ですね (isn't it)
田中さんは旅行に行ったらしいですよ。電気がついていません。
Tanaka-san wa ryokou ni itta rashii desu yo. Denki ga tsuitte imasu.
Mr. Tanaka is typical of someone who goes on a trip. There's no electricity.
田中さんは (Mr. Tanaka) + 旅行に行ったらしい (typical of someone who goes on a trip) + ですよ (isn't it) + 電気がついていません (there's no electricity)
あの子は子供らしい、子供ですね。いつも元気に遊んでいます。
Ano ko wa kodomo rashii, kodomo desu ne. Itsumo genki ni asobimasu.
That child is typical of a child. They always play energetically.
あの子 (that child) + は (is) + 子供らしい (typical of a child) + 子供 (child) + ですね (isn't it) +いつも (always) + 元気に (energetically) + 遊んでいます (play)
Context
This pattern is used to describe something that possesses the quintessential qualities of its noun. It is essential to use this pattern in formal or polite language. This pattern should not be confused with 'sou da' for hearsay or 'みたい' for resemblance. The correct usage of this pattern requires a deeper understanding of the subject and its characteristics.
Watch out
This pattern should not be used to describe direct visual resemblance without evidence. Instead, use 'みたい' to describe a resemblance.
This pattern should not be used to describe hearsay. Instead, use 'sou da' to describe something that is commonly known or believed.
This pattern is used to describe something that possesses the quintessential qualities of its noun. If something is not typical, use a different pattern to describe it.
Strategy
Pay attention to the context and the subject being described. Make sure to use the correct pattern to describe the subject's characteristics. Be careful not to confuse this pattern with other patterns that describe resemblance or hearsay.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N3 test-style questions. Each sentence shows Noun + らしい / Verb-plain + らしい / Adj-plain + らしい used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
今日は春らしく、とても暖かい日ですね。
Pattern used: らしく
Rashii is used here to describe a day that has the quintessential qualities of spring.
田中さんは旅行に行ったらしいですよ。電気がついていません。
Pattern used: らしい
Rashii is appropriate here because the inference is based on the objective evidence of the lights being off.
あの子は子供らしい子供ですね。いつも元気に遊んでいます。
Pattern used: らしい
Rashii emphasizes that the child acts exactly like a typical child should.
Interactive
今日は春______、とても暖かい日ですね。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.