Translation guide
The English word "smell" can be a noun or a verb, and covers both the sense of smell and the act of perceiving odors. In Japanese, different words are used depending on whether the smell is pleasant or unpleasant, and whether you are talking about the sense itself, the act of smelling, or a specific odor.
Referring to a smell or odor in a neutral or positive sense, such as the smell of flowers or food.
The most common word for a smell, often used for pleasant or neutral smells like food, flowers, or perfume. Can also be used for faint unpleasant smells in some contexts.
This flower smells good.
I can smell curry.
A more elegant or literary word for a pleasant smell, often used for fragrances, incense, or the aroma of tea and coffee.
The aroma of tea filled the room.
This kanji is used specifically for bad smells, but the reading is the same as 匂い. In writing, it distinguishes unpleasant odors.
In spoken Japanese, におい can refer to both good and bad smells depending on context. The kanji 臭い is used in writing to specify a bad smell.
There's a smell of garbage.
Referring to an unpleasant or offensive odor.
A formal or strong word for a bad smell, stench, or stink. Often used in news or complaints.
A foul smell is drifting from the factory.
Refers to an unpleasant smell, often from food (like fish or meat) or body odor. Implies a strong, lingering smell.
A strange or unusual smell, often implying something is wrong or suspicious.
Referring to the ability to perceive odors.
The act of intentionally smelling something, like sniffing a flower or smelling food.
The standard verb for actively smelling or sniffing something.
I tried smelling the flower.
The dog is sniffing the ground.
Describing that something emits a smell, without specifying who is smelling it.
The most common way to say something smells like something. Literally "does the smell of ~." Used for both pleasant and unpleasant smells.
This room smells of cigarettes.
She always smells nice.
Used specifically for pleasant smells, like fragrances or aromas. More elegant than 匂い.
This tea has a citrusy aroma.
A suffix attached to nouns to mean "smells like ~," often with a negative connotation. Can also be used metaphorically.
Using 臭い as a suffix can sound blunt or rude if not careful. It often implies an unpleasant smell.
Specifically saying that something has a bad smell.
匂い (におい) is the general word for smell, neutral or positive. 香り (かおり) is exclusively for pleasant, often elegant smells. 臭い (におい, written with this kanji) or 悪臭 (あくしゅう) are for bad smells. In speech, におい can be ambiguous, so context or adjectives like いい匂い (good smell) or 変な匂い (strange smell) clarify.
good smell vs. bad smell
嗅ぐ (かぐ) means to actively sniff. To say something smells a certain way, use 〜の匂いがする, not 嗅ぐ.
Incorrect: This flower smells.
Correct: This flower smells good.
I can't smell anything because I have a cold.
This perfume smells like roses.
この肉は臭みがある。
This meat has a strong smell.
There's a strange smell coming from the kitchen.
彼は鼻が利くから、ワインの香りをよく当てる。
He has a good nose, so he can identify wine aromas well.
This milk smells a bit sour.
His excuse smells fishy (seems like a lie).
このチーズは臭いけど美味しい。
This cheese smells bad but tastes good.