japanese.tips

〜らしい vs 〜ようだ / 〜みたいだ

〜らしい expresses an inference based on external reports, hearsay, or objective evidence heard from others. 〜ようだ expresses a conjecture or simile based directly on the speaker's own first-hand sensory observations and subjective impressions. Swapping them shifts the basis of judgment from your own personal observation to external reports and rumor.

〜らしい apparently; typical of

ニュースによると、明日(あした)は大雪(おおゆき)になるらしいです。

According to the news, it will apparently snow heavily tomorrow.

田中(たなか)さんは新(あたら)しい仕事(しごと)が見(み)つかったらしい。

Apparently, Tanaka found a new job.

〜ようだ / 〜みたいだ it seems, appears; like

外(そと)の風(かぜ)の音(おと)を聞(き)くと、明日(あした)は雪(ゆき)が降(ふ)るようです。

Listening to the sound of the wind outside, it seems like it will snow tomorrow.

静(しず)かですね。誰(だれ)も家(いえ)にいないようです。

It is so quiet; it seems that nobody is home.