Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'bad smell' depends on the source and intensity. The most common word is 臭い (kusai), used as an adjective. For nouns, 悪臭 (akushū) is formal, while 臭み (kusami) refers to an unpleasant odor in food or organic matter. There are also specific words for smells like burning, mold, or body odor.
Describing something that smells bad in everyday conversation.
The most common and versatile adjective for 'smells bad'. Can be used for a wide range of unpleasant odors.
Verb meaning 'to smell bad'. Often used when the smell is noticeable or wafting.
何か臭う。
Something smells bad.
Referring to a bad smell as a noun, often in formal, written, or technical contexts.
Formal noun for 'bad smell' or 'stench'. Common in news, complaints, and technical descriptions.
工場から悪臭が漂ってくる。
A bad smell is drifting from the factory.
Technical/formal noun for 'odor', often used in regulations or scientific contexts. Can be neutral but often implies unpleasantness.
Describing a bad smell specifically from food, meat, fish, or bodily sources.
Refers to an unpleasant smell or taste in food, especially meat or fish. Often used in cooking contexts.
この肉は臭みがある。
This meat has a bad smell.
生姜で臭みを消す。
Remove the bad smell with ginger.
Adjective for a fishy or raw meat smell. Also used metaphorically for 'bloodthirsty' or 'worldly'.
Describing a bad smell from something burning.
Describing a stale, damp, or moldy odor.
Means 'smelling moldy/musty'. Used for old books, damp rooms, etc.
このタオル、黴臭いよ。
This towel smells musty.
Referring specifically to human body odor.
臭い can attach to nouns to mean 'smelling of ~', but it often carries a negative connotation. For example, 酒臭い (sakekusai) means 'reeking of alcohol'. Be careful not to use it for pleasant smells; use 〜の香り (kaori) instead.
彼は酒臭い。
He reeks of alcohol.
臭い (nioi) is the general word for 'smell', neutral or positive. 臭い (kusai) is explicitly negative. When you say いい匂い (ii nioi), it means 'good smell'. Saying いい臭い (ii kusai) is contradictory and unnatural.
Measures against bad smells are necessary.
台所が生臭い。
The kitchen smells fishy.
運動の後は汗臭くなる。
After exercise, you get sweaty and smelly.