кажется vs похоже

kázhetsya vs póhozhe — it seems/I think vs it looks like/apparently

What it really means

"Кажется" means "it seems" or "I think," often presenting the speaker’s impression or uncertain belief. "Похоже" means "it looks like," "apparently," or "it seems from the evidence." Both express uncertainty, but похоже more clearly points to visible clues or a conclusion based on what is happening.

Кажется can also be used parenthetically: "Кажется, я забыл ключи" (I think I forgot my keys). Похоже often describes a situation: "Похоже, будет дождь" (It looks like it will rain).

Examples in natural speech

Кажется, я знаю этого человека.
I think I know this person.
Кажется, он опоздает.
It seems he will be late.
Похоже, начинается дождь.
It looks like it is starting to rain.
Похоже, мы заблудились.
It looks like we are lost.
Мне кажется, это хорошая идея.
It seems to me that this is a good idea.

Common mistakes

Do not assume похоже always means physically similar. "Похоже, он занят" means it looks like he is busy. Also remember the construction "мне кажется" (it seems to me); the person having the impression is in the dative.

Memory tip

"Кажется" is my impression; "похоже" is what the evidence seems to show.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between кажется and похоже in Russian?

"Кажется" means it seems or I think and presents a personal impression. "Похоже" means it looks like or apparently and often suggests a conclusion based on evidence.

How do you say I think in Russian?

Use "кажется" or "мне кажется": "Мне кажется, он дома" means "I think he is at home." It literally means "it seems to me."

Does похоже mean similar in Russian?

It can. As an adjective/adverb, похоже can mean similarly or alike; as a sentence opener, "Похоже, ..." means "It looks like ..." or "Apparently ...". Context determines the meaning.

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