がするPerceiving a sound, smell, taste, or sensation
がする reports that a sound, smell, taste, bodily sensation, or similar impression is perceptible. The thing perceived is expressed as a noun.
How it works
Japanese often reports an unintentional perception by naming the perceived sound, smell, taste, or sensation. The person experiencing it is usually clear from the situation and need not be stated.
Sounds, smells, and tastes
The noun tells you what kind of sensory content is being perceived.
Describe broad sensory nouns
A bare word meaning “taste” or “smell” can be too empty when the context does not show the quality. Add a description such as 甘い, 酸っぱい, or 変な unless the kind of taste or smell is already obvious.
Bodily sensations and impressions
The same pattern works with symptom nouns. It can also use a noun meaning “feeling” when the sentence clearly describes what that feeling is.
Direct perception versus a hunch
音がする and 声がする package what you perceive as a sound or voice noun. By contrast, 聞こえる directly says that something is audible. A pattern ending in ような気がする instead presents a tentative personal impression or hunch, so it is not the usual choice for a straightforward report of a sound, smell, or taste.
隣の部屋から音楽が聞こえる。
I can hear music from the next room.
AnalyzeHere the music itself is presented as audible, rather than being described as a sound.
More examples
外から子どもたちの笑い声がする。
I can hear children laughing outside.
Analyzeこの紅茶は花のような香りがする。
This tea has a floral aroma.
Analyzeこの薬は少し苦い味がします。
This medicine tastes a little bitter.
Analyze朝から寒気がして、仕事を休んだ。
I had chills from the morning, so I took the day off work.
Analyzeさっき廊下で変な音がした。
I heard a strange noise in the hallway a moment ago.
Analyzeこの部屋では外の音がしない。
You cannot hear outside noise in this room.
Analyze