Meaning and Usage
The Korean word '향기' (hyanggi) means 'fragrance' or 'aroma'. It is commonly used to describe pleasant smells from flowers, perfumes, food, and other sources. The word often implies a positive, appealing scent.
Common Contexts
You will hear '향기' in everyday conversations about nature (like flowers), personal care products (such as perfumes), and food. It is a noun and can be combined with verbs like '나다' (to come out, to emit) to describe the presence of a scent.
Collocations and Patterns
- '향기가 나다': to emit a fragrance; used to describe something that smells good.
- '은은한 향기': subtle or soft fragrance; often used for perfumes or gentle scents.
- '강한 향기': strong fragrance; used when the scent is intense.
Register and Politeness
'향기' is a neutral noun and can be used in both formal and informal contexts without change.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '향기' with '냄새' (smell), but '냄새' can be neutral or negative, while '향기' usually refers to pleasant smells. Use '향기' when you want to emphasize a good or nice scent.