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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I like the scent of roses.
The scent of cherry blossoms is faint.
More explicit, emphasizing the flower part. Often used when the plant has other fragrant parts.
The scent of plum blossoms announces spring.
To express the action of smelling 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.
I like the scent of flowers.
There's a smell of garbage.