noun
General term for smell, covering both pleasant and unpleasant odors. The kanji 臭い is used specifically for bad smells.
台所からいい匂いがする。
A nice smell is coming from the kitchen.
この部屋は変な臭いがする。
This room smells strange.
noun
Metaphorical use for the atmosphere, mood, or impression given off by a person, place, or thing. Often used with 感じ or 雰囲気.
彼には都会の匂いがする。
He has an urban air about him.
この町には歴史の匂いが感じられる。
You can feel the aura of history in this town.
noun
faint pattern along a sword's temper line
Specialized term in Japanese sword appreciation; refers to a mist-like visual effect along the hamon (temper line). Rare outside this domain.
日本刀の鑑賞では、刃文に現れる匂いも重要な要素だ。
In appreciating Japanese swords, the faint pattern appearing along the temper line is also an important element.