Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Smell" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "smell", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
匂い
におい (nioi)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
におい
におい (nioi)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "smell" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 匂い and におい.
In Japanese, 匂い (におい (nioi)) is typically associated with "smell, scent (can be good or bad)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to the sensation received by the nose. Can be positive.
On the other hand, におい (におい (nioi)) maps to "smell; odor; scent" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Can refer to both pleasant. A literal translation of "smell" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "匂い"
花のいい匂いがします。
The flowers have a nice scent.
Bilingual Context for "におい"
花のいい匂いがしますね。
The flowers have a nice scent, don't they?
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "花のいい ＿＿＿ がします。" (Meaning: "The flowers have a nice scent.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "匂い" fits here because it means "smell, scent (can be good or bad)" in the context of: "The flowers have a nice scent.". "におい" represents "smell; odor; scent".