匂におう

godan verb (-u), intransitive verb

smell good; be fragrant

Describes a pleasant scent. The kanji 匂う is strongly preferred for this meaning.

• 台だい所どころからカレーのいい匂においがする。

  A nice smell of curry is coming from the kitchen.

godan verb (-u), intransitive verb

stink; smell bad

Describes an unpleasant odor. The kanji 臭う is the usual choice for this sense.

• 生なまゴミが臭におうので早はやく捨すててください。

  The garbage is stinking, so please take it out quickly.

godan verb (-u), intransitive verb

glow; be bright

Rare, literary use describing something shining or glowing, often with a warm or beautiful nuance. Not used for ordinary brightness.

• 夕ゆう日ひに匂におう山やま々やまの景色けしきは息いきをのむ美うつくしさだ。

  The mountains glowing in the evening sun are breathtakingly beautiful.

godan verb (-u), intransitive verb

smack of; hint at

Figurative use: something gives off a certain impression or atmosphere, often negative or suspicious. Common in phrases like 犯罪の匂いがする.

• 彼かれの話はなしにはどうも嘘うその匂においがする。

  His story somehow smacks of a lie.