Meaning and Usage
The Korean word '냄새' refers to a smell or odor, which can be pleasant or unpleasant depending on context. It is a common noun used in everyday conversation to describe scents from flowers, food, environments, or objects.
Common Collocations
- 냄새가 나다: to emit a smell
- 냄새가 좋다: to have a good smell
- 냄새가 나쁘다: to have a bad smell
- 이상한 냄새: strange or unusual smell
These phrases help express sensory experiences clearly and are frequently used in daily life.
Usage Notes
When using '냄새', speakers often imply a sensory judgment, whether positive or negative. For example, '좋은 냄새' means a pleasant smell, while '나쁜 냄새' indicates an unpleasant odor.
Be careful not to confuse '냄새' with '향기', which specifically means a pleasant fragrance or aroma. '냄새' can be neutral or negative, so context matters.
Register and Politeness
'냄새' is a neutral noun and can be used in both formal and informal contexts without change. However, the verbs and adjectives paired with it may vary in politeness level.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes use '냄새' only for bad smells, but it can describe any smell. To specify a pleasant smell, use '좋은 냄새' or '향기'.