Learning how to express “smells good” in Japanese can greatly enhance your ability to appreciate and discuss various scents in Japan. Whether you are complimenting someone’s cooking, describing fragrances, or expressing admiration for the pleasant aroma of a particular place, this guide will walk you through the formal and informal ways to say “smells good” in Japanese. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Smells Good”
If you want to express that something smells good in a polite or formal manner, these phrases will come in handy:
“Kōun no nioi ga shimasu” (幸運の匂いがします)
Translated: It smells fortunate.
This formal phrase can be used when you want to convey a sense of luck or fortune connected to the smell. It is an elegant and polite expression that can be used in a variety of settings.
“Hana ga nioimashō” (花が匂いましょう)
Translated: The flowers smell good.
This phrase specifically mentions flowers to indicate the source of the pleasant scent. It is a polite way to appreciate the aroma of flowers, and can be used in formal situations or when discussing floral scents.
“Kaori ga iidesu” (香りがいいです)
Translated: The fragrance is good.
Another polite expression, this phrase is slightly more generic and can be used to describe any pleasant smell. It is commonly used in formal or professional contexts when discussing scents.
Informal Ways to Say “Smells Good”
If you want to express that something smells good in a more casual or informal manner, these phrases will be more suitable:
“Nioi ga ii” (匂いがいい)
Translated: The smell is nice.
This simple and direct expression is commonly used in casual conversations to describe pleasant aromas. It can be used in various situations, from appreciating cooking smells to complimenting the fragrance of a perfume.
“Nioi ga yummy” (匂いがヤミー)
Translated: The smell is yummy.
This informal phrase incorporates the English word “yummy” to add a playful twist. It is often used among friends or in less formal settings to express enthusiasm about a delightful scent, such as freshly baked goods.
Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you effectively express “smells good” in Japanese:
1. Adding Specific Nouns
To specify the source of the pleasant odor, you can easily combine the aforementioned phrases with specific nouns. For example:
- “Kōji no nioi ga shimasu” (麹の匂いがします)
Translation: It smells like fermented rice. - “Ringō no kaori ga iidesu” (リンゴの香りがいいです)
Translation: The smell of apples is good.
By adding specific nouns, you can describe particular scents more accurately and vividly.
2. Describing People’s Cooking
If you want to compliment someone’s cooking and specifically mention that it smells good, you can use phrases like:
- “[Person’s name] no ryōri ga nioimashita” ([Person’s name]の料理が匂いました)
Translation: [Person’s name]’s cooking smelled good. - “Kono kare wa nioi ga tanoshī” (このカレーは匂いが楽しい)
Translation: This curry smells enjoyable.
Using such expressions will not only be a compliment but also show your appreciation for their culinary skills.
3. Admiring the Aroma of Places
When talking about the pleasant smells associated with certain locations, you can use phrases like:
- “Kono heiya wa ii nioi ga shimasu” (この部屋はいい匂いがします)
Translation: This room smells nice. - “Kōen no kigi no nioi ga suki desu” (公園の木々の匂いが好きです)
Translation: I like the smell of the trees in the park.
These phrases can be used when you want to express your fondness for the ambiance and fragrances associated with specific places.
Remember, whether you choose a formal or informal expression depends on the situation and your relationship with the people you are speaking to. With this guide, you now have the tools to describe various delightful scents and engage in conversations about smells in Japanese. Practice using these phrases, embrace the cultural importance of appreciating aromas, and enjoy exploring the world of scents in Japan!
