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.
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.
その事件は政界の悪臭を放つ腐敗を露呈した。
The incident exposed the stench of corruption in politics.
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.
この花はいい臭いがする。
This flower smells good.
この花は臭い。
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.
部屋中に悪臭が漂っていた。
A stench hung throughout the room.
その工場から悪臭が発生している。
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.
何かひどい臭いがする。
There's a terrible stench.
この臭いは我慢できない。
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).
Literally 'strange/unusual smell'. Often used for suspicious or unidentified stenches, like gas leaks or chemical odors.
異臭を感じたらすぐに通報してください。
If you notice a strange stench, please report it immediately.
Idiom: 'to put a lid on something smelly', meaning to cover up a scandal or problem. Implies a stench that someone wants to hide.
会社は臭いものに蓋をして問題を隠した。
The company covered up the stench and hid the problem.