匂い (におい, nioi) Japanese meaning: smell | KotomoraA nice smell is coming from the kitchen.
This room smells strange.
Usage patterns
〈物〉の匂いを嗅ぐto sniff/smell something
〈事〉の匂いを感じるto sense a hint/aura of something
I sensed something suspicious about his story.
匂いが漂うa smell wafts/drifts through the air
The smell of coffee is drifting through the room.
匂いが強い／きついthe smell is strong/intense
This fish has a strong smell.
匂いを消すto get rid of a smell
I got rid of the smell in the room with a deodorizer.
Expressions
匂いがするsmell; have a smell; smell of
匂い is a neutral, everyday word for any smell, pleasant or not, whereas 香気 refers specifically to an elegant, pleasant fragrance.
匂い is a neutral, everyday word for smell that can be good or bad, while 薫 specifically denotes a pleasant, refined aroma.
fragrant iris; sweet flag; orris
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