Translation guide
In Japanese, the scent of flowers is commonly expressed with the noun 花の香り (hana no kaori) or the compound 花香 (hanaka). The choice depends on context and register.
花の香り
scent of flowers
To refer to the pleasant smell of flowers in general.
The most common and natural way to say 'scent of flowers'. 香り (kaori) implies a pleasant, often subtle fragrance.
庭から花の香りが漂ってくる。
The scent of flowers drifts from the garden.
This room is full of the scent of flowers.
A more literary or poetic compound. Often used in writing, poetry, or product names.
花香る春の野原を歩く。
Walking through the flower-scented spring fields.
匂い (nioi) is a more neutral or sometimes stronger smell. It can be used for flowers but 香り is preferred for pleasant scents. Use this when the smell is very strong or not necessarily pleasant.
匂い can imply an unpleasant or overpowering smell in some contexts. For pleasant floral scents, 香り is safer.
ユリの花の匂いが強すぎる。
The scent of lilies is too strong.
To specify the scent of a particular type of flower.
Replace [flower name] with the specific flower. This is the standard pattern.
バラの香りが好きです。
I like the scent of roses.
桜の香りはほのかだ。
The scent of cherry blossoms is faint.
More explicit, emphasizing the flower part. Often used when the plant has other fragrant parts.
梅の花の香りが春を告げる。
The scent of plum blossoms announces spring.
To express the action of smelling flowers.
嗅ぐ (kagu) means to sniff or smell intentionally. Used with 香り for pleasant scents.
彼女はバラの香りを嗅いだ。
She smelled the scent of roses.
Using 匂い here is less common for pleasant scents but possible when the smell is strong or neutral.
犬が花の匂いを嗅いでいる。
The dog is smelling the flowers.
香り (kaori) is used for pleasant, often subtle fragrances like flowers, perfume, or tea. 匂い (nioi) is more neutral and can be used for any smell, including unpleasant ones. For flowers, 香り is almost always the better choice unless the smell is overpowering or you want to be neutral.
花の香りが好きです。
I like the scent of flowers.
生ゴミの匂いがする。
There's a smell of garbage.