Meaning and Usage
"臭い" (くさい) primarily describes something that has a bad or unpleasant smell. It is often used for physical odors like garbage, food, or other objects. However, it can also be used metaphorically to express suspicion or something that feels 'off' or 'fishy,' especially in informal speech.
Common Collocations
- ゴミが臭い: garbage smells bad
- 嘘が臭い: a lie feels suspicious
- 臭い息: bad breath
Register and Nuance
"臭い" is a casual and somewhat blunt word. It is commonly used in everyday conversation but can be considered rude if used directly about a person’s body odor without softening expressions. When used metaphorically, it often implies distrust or doubt.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "臭い" with "匂い" (におい), which means "smell" but can be neutral or pleasant. "臭い" always has a negative connotation. Avoid using "臭い" to describe pleasant smells.
Summary
Use "臭い" to talk about bad smells literally or to express suspicion informally. Be mindful of the context and politeness when using it about people.