Translation guide
A strong, unpleasant smell. In Japanese, the most common word is 悪臭 (akushū), a formal term. In casual speech, 臭い (nioi) with negative context or 臭い (kusai) as an adjective are used. Be careful: 臭い (nioi) can mean 'smell' in general, so context is key.
To describe a powerful, offensive odor, such as from garbage, decay, or chemicals.
The standard noun for 'stench' or 'foul odor'. Used in formal, written, and descriptive contexts. Often appears in news or complaints.
A stench hung throughout the room.
A stench is emanating from that factory.
Means 'smell' or 'odor'. To convey 'stench', it must be modified with negative adjectives like ひどい (terrible) or 嫌な (unpleasant), or rely on context. On its own, it's neutral.
There's a terrible stench.
I can't stand this stench.
An i-adjective meaning 'stinks' or 'smells bad'. Very common in casual speech. Can be used directly or as a suffix (e.g., 生臭い, fishy stench).
Ugh, it stinks!
This meat stinks.
Literally 'strange/unusual smell'. Often used for suspicious or unidentified stenches, like gas leaks or chemical odors.
If you notice a strange stench, please report it immediately.
To express a metaphorical 'stench' of dishonesty, corruption, or moral decay.
Literally 'to emit a stench'. Used figuratively for scandals or corrupt practices that are obvious and offensive.
The incident exposed the stench of corruption in politics.
Idiom: 'to put a lid on something smelly', meaning to cover up a scandal or problem. Implies a stench that someone wants to hide.
におい is a noun meaning 'smell' (neutral). くさい is an adjective meaning 'stinks'. To say 'stench' with におい, you need negative context. くさい directly expresses bad smell.
This flower smells good.
This flower stinks.
Avoid directly translating 'stench' as 悪臭 in casual conversation; it can sound overly dramatic or formal. Use 臭い (くさい) or ひどい臭い (ひどいにおい) instead.
The company covered up the stench and hid the problem.