noun

  1. odor, scent, smell, stench. 臭い usu. has a negative connotation.
  2. aura, whiff, smacks of ..., sense, flavor.

Variations

Pronunciation Kanji Kana Is Common
 
匂い におい
 
臭い におい
におい

Contained Kanji Breakdown

fragrant, stink, glow
にお.う おり こう (11th)
wrapping enclosure, wrapping radical (no. 20)
ホウ つつ.む (Kentei 1)
spoon, spoon or katakana hi radical (no. 21)
ヒ さじ (Kentei 1)