香こうを聞きく

expression, godan verb (-ku)

smell incense; appreciate incense

Traditional expression used in the context of kōdō (the art of appreciating incense). The verb 聞く (to listen) is used instead of 嗅ぐ (to smell) to convey a deeper, more refined sensory appreciation.

See also: 聞く

• 香こう道どうでは、香こうを聞きくという表ひょう現げんを使つかいます。

  In the art of incense appreciation, we use the expression 'to listen to incense'.

• 彼かれは静しずかに座すわって香こうを聞きいていた。

  He sat quietly, appreciating the incense.