좋은 냄새가 난다
joeun naemsaega nanda
The English phrase "smells good" is translated into Korean as 좋은 냄새가 난다 (joeun naemsaega nanda).
This phrase is used to express that something has a pleasant scent. While 좋은 냄새가 난다 is a complete sentence, Korean speakers often more naturally say 냄새가 좋다 to mean "the smell is good".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 좋은 냄새가 난다 literally translates to "a good smell comes out" or "a good smell is emitted".
How does it change in a sentence?
Depending on the level of politeness required, you can use different forms: the polite version is 좋은 냄새가 나요 and the informal or casual version is 좋은 냄새가 나.
How do you pronounce it?
joeun naemsaega nanda
Did you know?
- When describing the smell of perfume or flowers, Koreans often prefer the word 향기 (fragrance/scent) instead of 냄새 (smell). Using 냄새 for a high-end perfume can sometimes sound slightly more blunt or less elegant.
- Unlike English, where 'smell' can be a verb, the Korean word 냄새 is always a noun. To express the action of smelling, Koreans use the verb 맡다 ('to smell/inhale').
- If something smells specifically like delicious food, Koreans often use the word 맛있는 ('delicious') instead of 좋은 ('good'), saying 맛있는 냄새가 나요.
Examples in context
- 제가 착용한 향수의 향기가 좋아요The fragrance of the cologne I'm wearing is good.
- 꽃집에서 좋은 냄새가 난다.kkotjibeseo joeun naemsaega nanda.A good smell comes from the flower shop.
- 이 향수에서 좋은 냄새가 난다.i hyangsueseo joeun naemsaega nanda.This perfume smells good.
- 숲속에서 좋은 냄새가 난다.supsogeseo joeun naemsaega nanda.It smells good in the forest.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Subin are walking past a bakery.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo와, 여기서 좋은 냄새가 난다!Wa, yeogiseo joeun naemsaega nanda!Wow, it smells good here!
- 수빈 Su-bin정말 맛있는 빵 냄새네.Jeongmal masissneun ppang naemsaene.It really is the smell of delicious bread.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo수빈아, 우리 빵 사러 갈까?Subin-a, uri ppang sareo galkka?Subin, shall we go buy some bread?
- 수빈 Su-bin좋아, 현우야. 같이 가자.Joa, Hyunwoo-ya. Gati gaja.Okay, Hyunwoo. Let's go together.
