also: つんとくる
expression, noun-modifying (irregular)
Describes a sharp, irritating smell or sensation that hits the nose or throat, like strong spices, chemicals, or smoke. Often used prenominally as ツンと来る匂い.
See also: ツンと
This curry has a pungent spiciness that hits you.
The acrid smell of disinfectant hung throughout the hospital.
All-hiragana spelling, common in informal contexts.
Combination of the mimetic adverb つんと (representing a sharp, pungent sensation) and the verb 来る (to come). The exact origin of つんと is uncertain, but it belongs to a family of sound-symbolic words.