Kanji Detail for 臭 - "smell"

臭

Jinmeiyō Kanji

Meaning

臭 means "smell." Also associated with stink, to rot.
1. Smell - Odor; scent; aroma.
2. Rot - To decay; to become foul.
3. Bad reputation - Negative rumors.
4. Sniff - To smell; to detect by nose.
Words using 臭
- 悪臭あくしゅう bad smell; foul smell; offensive odor
- 臭いくさい stinking; smelly; suspicious
- 水臭いみずくさい stand-offish; distant; not frank
Tattoo check: 臭
- Verified meaning: smell
- Jinmeiyō kanji — officially approved for use in Japanese given names
- Also carries these associations: stink, to rot
- Traditionally considered inauspicious in names — Japanese readers may find it an unlucky choice. Check the meanings above carefully before using it on skin.
A single kanji rarely maps one-to-one onto an English word. Read the meanings and associations above as a set — a character that fits the dictionary definition can still carry a connotation you did not intend.
Dictionary Citations

The meaning above is based on the following sources:

KANJIDIC2 A comprehensive Japanese-English kanji dictionary

odor; ill-smelling
Onyomi

shuu(シュウ)
Kunyomi

kusa.i(くさ-い)

nio.i(におい)
Strokes

10 strokes
Radical

自 (mizukara)
Related Keywords

smell stink to rot odor aroma foul fragrance musk musty pungent putrid scent stench rancid