Meaning and Usage
The verb 匂う (におう) primarily means "to smell" or "to be fragrant." It is used to describe when something emits a scent, whether pleasant or unpleasant. It can refer to natural smells like flowers or artificial ones like smoke.
Figurative Use
匂う is also used figuratively to imply a hint or suspicion of something, such as a "hint of trouble" or "sign of a case." This usage is common in news or detective contexts.
Common Collocations
- 匂いがする: to have a smell
- 甘い匂い: sweet fragrance
- タバコの匂い: smell of tobacco
- 事件の匂いがする: to sense a case or suspicious situation
Register and Politeness
匂う is neutral and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. It is more common in spoken language than the more formal 臭う (くさい) which often has a negative connotation.
Learner Tips
Be careful not to confuse 匂う with 臭う, which usually implies a bad smell. 匂う can be positive or neutral. Also, 匂う can be used metaphorically, so pay attention to context to understand if it refers to an actual smell or a figurative hint.