냄새
naemsae[ˈnɛ(ː)msʰɛ]
The English word 'smell' translates to 냄새 (naemsae) in Korean.
냄새 is the most general and commonly used term for 'smell' in Korean.
Meaning: sensation (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 냄새 is a neutral term for smell, the word 향기 is used specifically for pleasant or sweet scents. Additionally, the term 기운 primarily means 'energy' or 'vitality', but can also be used to describe a certain smell or aura, often for medicinal purposes.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that a smell is present or emanating from something, use the construction 냄새가 나다 instead of just the noun. Use 냄새를 맡다 when describing the active physical action of sniffing or perceiving a scent with one's nose.
How do you pronounce it?
naemsae
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often try to use the verb 'smell' directly, but in Korean, you must distinguish between the existence of a smell (냄새가 나다) and the action of sniffing (냄새를 맡다).
Did you know?
- The word 냄새 can also be used metaphorically to mean 'a suspicious vibe' or 'something fishy' is going on.
- The word 냄새 is of native Korean origin, meaning it does not come from the Chinese characters that form a large portion of the Korean vocabulary.
- In many Korean culinary contexts, a 'good smell' is often referred to as 맛있는 냄새, which literally translates to 'delicious smell'.
Examples in context
- 지독한 냄새가 더 심해지고 있다.The terrible smell grew worse.This sentence shows how to describe a smell that is becoming more intense using 냄새.Tatoeba #11106996 by intertime, translation #9120536 by Amastan
- 회의실에서 안좋은 냄새가 납니다.There's a bad smell in the conference room.This sentence provides an example of reporting a bad smell in a specific location using 냄새.Tatoeba #13118628 by romzzo, translation #10457333 by CK
- 피 냄새가 납니다.I smell blood.This sentence demonstrates how to express the perception of a specific scent using 냄새.Tatoeba #6304938 by Queserasera, translation #1650992 by Spamster
- 무슨 냄새가 나요?What smell is that?
- 이 꽃들의 향기가 정말 좋아요.The scent of these flowers is really nice.
- 집에 들어가니까 냄새가 좋아.It smells good when you enter the house.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dohyeon and Seoyeon are walking through a park near a flower garden.
- 도현 Do-hyeon꽃 냄새가 정말 좋다.kkot naemsaega jeongmal jota.The flower smell is really good.
- 서연 Seo-yeon맞아요, 향기가 아주 달콤해요.majayo, hyanggiga aju dalkomhaeyo.You're right, the scent is very sweet.
- 도현 Do-hyeon서연 씨는 꽃을 좋아하나요?Seoyeon ssineun kkocheul joahannayo?Seoyeon, do you like flowers?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 꽃 냄새를 좋아해요.ne, kkot naemsaereul joahaeyo.Yes, I like the smell of flowers.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “smell” translations and entries 냄새, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 냄새, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
