expression, godan verb (-ku)
assail the nostrils; sting the nose
Describes a strong smell that hits the nose, often unpleasant or pungent.
部屋に入ると、カビの臭いが鼻をついた。
When I entered the room, a musty smell assailed my nostrils.
刺激臭が鼻をつく。
An irritating odor stings the nose.
expression, godan verb (-ku)
go nose-to-nose; be at close quarters
Used when two people are face-to-face in a confrontational or very close manner; often implies tension.
彼と鼻をつくような距離で話した。
I talked with him at a nose-to-nose distance.