Translation guide
Describes something that has a pleasant, sweet scent. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the adjective 甘い (amai) or the compound 甘い香りのする (amai kaori no suru).
Describing something that smells sweet, like flowers, perfume, or food.
A common way to say 'sweet-smelling' by using the noun 香り (kaori, 'scent') with the adjective 甘い (amai, 'sweet'). Literally 'having a sweet scent'.
この花は甘い香りがする。
This flower has a sweet scent.
甘い香りのするキャンドルを買った。
I bought a sweet-smelling candle.
The adjective 'sweet' can directly modify a noun to mean 'sweet-smelling' when context makes it clear, though it more often means 'sweet-tasting'. Use with caution.
甘い alone can be ambiguous; it usually means 'sweet-tasting'. To avoid confusion, use 甘い香りのする or 甘い匂いのする.
A formal or literary word meaning 'fragrance' or 'sweet smell'. Often used in written descriptions or product names.
甘い匂いがする。
There's a sweet smell.
バラの芳香が部屋に満ちていた。
The sweet fragrance of roses filled the room.