냄새 vs 향기
There can be quite a bit of confusion when it comes to using 냄새 or 향기. I think if you look both of them up, they will probably come back as “smell” (the noun). But there’s a couple different uses for both
냄새
Usually this is used in bad cases, but there are obviously exceptions
술 - alcohol
음식 - food
발 - feet
겨드랑이 - armpit
풀 - grass/glue
똥 - poo
가솔린 - gasoline
커피 - coffee (can be used with either)
향기
Usually this is used more positively and can translate more to aroma/fragrance. Sometimes you will see it written as 향.
비누 - soap
꽃 - flowers
로션 - lotion
샴푸 - shampoo
커피 - coffee
Sample Sentences
우리가 클럽을 떠난 후에 철수는 술 냄새 났어. After we left the club, Cheolsu smelled like alcohol.
한강은 봄에 꽃 향기 나요. The Han River smells like flowers in the spring.
네가 냄새나서 좀 싰어라! Go shower cause you stink!
난 일어나자마자 커피 향 맡았다. I smelled coffee as soon as I got up.
어 빵 냄새… 먹고 싶다…! I smell bread… I want some!
Bonus Phrases
향이 강하다 | to smell strong
향이 약하다 | to smell weak
냄새 좋다 | to smell good
냄새 빠지다 | for a smell to go away
짙은 향이 | strong/heavy smell
냄새 고약하다 | to smell foul
악취 나다 | to stench (악취 by itself is a stench)
좋은 냄새 풍기다 | to give off a good smell
