Translation guide
Describes something with a pleasant, often strong smell, like spices, herbs, or certain plants. Japanese has several words for 'aromatic' depending on what is being described.
To describe a smell that is fragrant, often from spices, herbs, or flowers, in a positive sense.
Literally 'high in fragrance'. A common, natural way to say something is aromatic, especially for food, drinks, or plants.
この紅茶はとても香り高い。
This black tea is very aromatic.
A slightly more formal or written expression meaning 'having a pleasant fragrance'. Often used for flowers, perfumes, or high-quality products.
芳香のあるハーブティーを楽しんだ。
I enjoyed an aromatic herbal tea.
Specifically describes a roasted, nutty, or toasty aroma, like coffee, toasted sesame, or baked goods. Not for fresh floral scents.
香ばしいコーヒーの香りが部屋に広がった。
The aromatic smell of coffee filled the room.
A literary or formal word for a pleasant, often elegant fragrance. Commonly used in written descriptions of flowers, incense, or traditional settings.
梅の花が芳しい香りを放っている。
The plum blossoms are giving off an aromatic fragrance.
Referring to plants like rosemary, thyme, or basil that are used to add flavor and smell to food.
Means 'strong-smelling' in a positive way. Often used for herbs, spices, or ingredients with a distinct aroma.
香りの強いハーブを料理に使う。
I use aromatic herbs in cooking.
A technical term meaning 'aromatic' in a chemical or botanical sense. Used for essential oils, compounds, or plant classifications.
芳香性の植物から精油を抽出する。
Extract essential oils from aromatic plants.
In chemistry, describing compounds with a ring structure and often a distinct smell, like benzene.
The standard term for 'aromatic' in organic chemistry. Refers to compounds with aromatic rings.
ベンゼンは芳香族化合物の一種です。
Benzene is a type of aromatic compound.
香り高い (kaori takai) is for fresh, floral, or spicy fragrances (tea, flowers, herbs). 香ばしい (kōbashii) is for roasted, toasty aromas (coffee, toasted sesame, baked goods). Don't use 香ばしい for a rose or fresh mint.
香り高いジャスミン茶
aromatic jasmine tea
香ばしいほうじ茶
aromatic roasted green tea
The loanword アロマティック (aromateikku) exists but is mainly used in product names or marketing. In natural Japanese, use the native expressions above.