JLPT Inference and Judgment Expressions

Inference and judgment expressions depend on the basis of the speaker’s judgment

JLPT grammar often tests expressions such as 「ようだ」, 「らしい」, 「はずだ」, 「わけだ」, and 「に違いない」.

They may all be translated as “seems,” “apparently,” or “must be,” but in Japanese they differ in evidence, certainty, and point of view.

This page organizes related RJT articles so you can review these expressions together.

Start with the basic expressions

ようだ, みたいだ, らしい, and そうだ

First, review expressions used for impressions, heard information, and judgment based on appearance.

• The difference between 「ようだ」, 「みたいだ」, 「らしい」, and 「そうだ」
• The difference between 「ようだ」 and 「らしい」
• The difference between 「ようだ」 and 「みたいだ」
• The two meanings of 「そうだ」

「ようだ」 is often based on observation or evidence. 「らしい」 can be based on information heard from others or typical qualities. 「そうだ」 can express appearance or hearsay, depending on the form.

Expressions of stronger certainty

はずだ, わけだ, に違いない, and に決まっている

Next, compare how strongly the speaker believes something.

• The difference between 「はずだ」 and 「わけだ」
• The difference between 「に違いない」 and 「はずだ」
• The difference between 「はずがない」 and 「わけがない」
• The difference between 「ことか」 and 「だろう」

「はずだ」 is used when something seems natural based on knowledge or circumstances. 「に違いない」 shows strong conviction. 「わけだ」 is often used when the speaker understands the reason and feels that the situation makes sense.

Outward impression and inner judgment

ように見える and ように思える

It is also useful to separate what something looks like from what the speaker thinks.

• The difference between 「ように見える」 and 「ように思える」
• How to replace childish essay expressions such as 「みたいだ」 and 「すごい」

「ように見える」 is closer to an outward impression. 「ように思える」 is closer to the speaker’s internal judgment.

Similar expressions with different nuance

っぽい, らしい, and ようだ

In daily conversation, 「っぽい」 is very common. In essays and JLPT-style writing, however, you need to use it carefully.

• The difference between 「ようだ」 and 「っぽい」
• The difference between 「らしい」 and 「っぽい」

「っぽい」 is conversational and often gives a light impression. 「ようだ」 and 「らしい」 can sound more explanatory depending on the context.

Inference and judgment in reading questions

In reading passages, inference expressions can show the writer’s real point or conclusion.

• Ambiguous reading expressions: 「わけだ」, 「ことになる」, and 「ものだ」
• The difference between 「まい」 and 「ないだろう」

Do not only translate the grammar. Ask whether the writer is explaining, guessing, or showing strong certainty.

Recommended study order

A good order for learning these expressions is:

1. Learn the basic differences among 「ようだ」, 「みたいだ」, 「らしい」, and 「そうだ」
2. Compare certainty with 「はずだ」, 「わけだ」, and 「に違いない」
3. Separate outward impression and inner judgment with 「ように見える」 and 「ように思える」
4. Check the conversational nuance of 「っぽい」
5. Practice reading the writer’s judgment in JLPT passages

Related grammar guides

Conditional, reason, and negative expressions often appear together with inference and judgment expressions. RJT will continue adding related grammar guide pages.