19715
According to [this HiNative question](https://hinative.com/en-
us/questions/5343), `～みたいだ` tends to be used subjectively, whereas `～らしい`
tends to be used more objectively.

This seems to indicate that the difference is the same as that between the 2
senses of `～そうです`, i.e. deduction vs hearsay.

Is the distinction as simple as this?
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-29T11:52:31.673
19710
2014-12-01T16:38:44.143
2014-12-01T16:38:44.143
6840
7334
question
grammar word-choice
What is the difference between ～みたい and ～らしい when expressing similarity or resemblance?
Yes. みたい is usually about your perception or opinion. らしい conveys indirect
information that you heard, saw or read somewhere.

## みたい

### ~ looks like

Used when _you_ think (subjectively) something looks or is like so. Used very
often.

> お母{かあ}さんは怒{おこ}っている **みたい** だ。
>
> 彼{かれ}のことを好{す}きになってしまった **みたい** だ。
>
>
> そのチケットは[売{う}り切{き}れ](http://ejje.weblio.jp/content/%E5%A3%B2%E3%82%8A%E5%88%87%E3%82%8C)てしまった
> **みたい** だ。

## らしい

### ~ appears to be, seems that, I hear ~

Used when reporting that something looks or seems like so according to what
someone else said, or something you read. It's more objective than みたい.

> お母{かあ}さんは怒{おこ}っているらしい、 **弟{おとうと}がそう言{い}っていた。**
>
> イタリアまで飛行機{ひこうき}で15時間{じかん}かかる **らしい** 。
>
> 新{あたら}しいお店{みせ}が来月{らいげつ}オープンする **らしい** 。

### ~like, ideal characteristic of something

Another interesting use of らしい is to express that something is the archetypal
rendering of a definition or concept. You use it when someone or something
looks like the best representation of what is expected.

In other words, that something is just what it _should_ or _ought_ to be
(according to convention / tradition / common knowledge, etc). For example,
男{おとこ}らしい means _masculine_ / _manly_ and carries a positive connotation,
whereas 男っぽい is just mannish or _kinda like man_ , also it isn't clear whether
it's meant as a compliment or insult. Another example is 子供{こども}っぽい
_childish_.

This is a good example:

> お兄{にい}さん **らしく** しなさい。
>
> _Act more like a good older brother!_ or _That's not how a good brother
> should behave!_
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-29T16:05:40.813
19715
2014-11-30T13:34:56.173
2020-06-17T08:18:27.500
-1
7671
19710
answer