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A2 noun #3,000 가장 일반적인 9분 분량

smell

상위 3,000

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 smell 30초 만에

설명 smell in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'smell' is a basic vocabulary word used to describe one of the Five Senses. Students learn it alongside words like 'see', 'hear', 'taste', and 'touch'. At this stage, the focus is on simple identification. You might say, 'I like the smell of flowers' or 'This is a bad smell.' The word is used as a direct noun following a verb or as part of a very simple sentence structure. Teachers use it to help students describe their immediate environment and personal preferences. It is often taught in the context of food or nature. Exercises usually involve matching pictures of things (like a rose or a pizza) to the word 'smell'. The goal is for the student to understand that 'smell' refers to what their nose does and the things they perceive with it. Simple adjectives like 'good' and 'bad' are the primary modifiers used at this level. There is no need for complex synonyms like 'aroma' yet; 'smell' is the universal term for all olfactory experiences in A1 English.

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At the A2 level, students expand their use of 'smell' to include more descriptive adjectives and slightly more complex sentence patterns. Instead of just 'good' or 'bad', an A2 learner might use words like 'strong', 'sweet', or 'strange'. They begin to use the 'the smell of...' construction regularly, such as 'The smell of coffee is nice.' They also learn to use 'smell' as a noun in short stories or descriptions of their daily routines. For instance, 'When I go to the park, I love the smell of the grass.' At this level, students also start to recognize that 'smell' can be both a noun and a verb, though they primarily focus on the noun form in descriptive tasks. They might also encounter simple compound words or phrases like 'smell sensor' or 'sense of smell'. The focus shifts from simple identification to basic description and expressing simple opinions about different odors in their lives.

By the B1 level, learners are expected to use 'smell' with greater precision and in more varied contexts. They start to distinguish between 'smell' and its more common synonyms like 'aroma' or 'scent' based on the situation. For example, a B1 student might choose 'aroma' when describing a delicious meal in a restaurant review. They also begin to use 'smell' in metaphorical or idiomatic ways, such as 'to smell a rat' or 'the smell of success', though they may still need help with the exact meanings. Grammatically, they can use 'smell' in more complex sentences with multiple clauses: 'Although the smell was very strong, I didn't mind it because it reminded me of my childhood.' They also use more sophisticated adjectives like 'pleasant', 'unpleasant', 'pungent', or 'faint'. At B1, 'smell' is used to add detail and atmosphere to narratives and to provide more nuanced explanations in discussions about health, cooking, or the environment.

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At the B2 level, students have a firm grasp of the nuances of 'smell' and use it fluently in both formal and informal registers. They can accurately choose between 'smell', 'odor', 'fragrance', and 'stench' to convey specific connotations and emotional tones. A B2 learner might write a descriptive essay where they use 'the scent of pine' to create a peaceful mood or 'the acrid smell of smoke' to create tension. They are comfortable with a wide range of collocations like 'distinctive smell', 'lingering smell', or 'overpowering smell'. They also understand the role of the olfactory sense in more abstract discussions, such as the science of memory or the psychology of marketing. Metaphorical uses are used more naturally, and they can interpret 'smell' in literary texts where it might represent moral decay or a change in the atmosphere. Their grammatical use of the word is flawless, including its use in passive constructions or as part of complex noun phrases.

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At the C1 level, the word 'smell' is used with professional-level precision. Learners are aware of the subtle differences in register and can use the word effectively in creative writing, academic reports, or business contexts. They might discuss the 'olfactory profile' of a product or the 'evocative power of smell' in a psychological analysis. C1 students are familiar with less common synonyms and related terms like 'waft', 'essence', or 'redolence'. They can use 'smell' to describe complex sensory experiences where multiple odors are blended. In literature, they can analyze how an author uses smell to symbolize themes or characterize individuals. Their use of idioms involving 'smell' is natural and varied. They also understand the technical aspects of the word, such as its use in legal or environmental regulations regarding 'odor nuisance'. At this level, 'smell' is not just a vocabulary word but a tool for nuanced expression and sophisticated analysis of the human experience.

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At the C2 level, mastery of 'smell' involves an intuitive understanding of its deepest linguistic and cultural roots. The learner can use the word with the same flexibility and nuance as a highly educated native speaker. They can play with the word in puns, poetry, and complex metaphors. They understand the historical evolution of the word and its related terms. In professional fields like chemistry, biology, or perfumery, they use 'smell' and its technical counterparts (like 'volatiles' or 'organoleptic properties') with absolute accuracy. They can write extensively on the philosophy of the senses, using 'smell' as a central point of discussion. Their ability to describe smells is limited only by their imagination, using highly specific and creative language to evoke precise olfactory images in the reader's mind. At C2, the learner recognizes the most subtle connotations of the word in any context, from the most formal scientific paper to the most casual slang-filled conversation.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

smell 30초 만에

Smell is the sense that lets you detect odors through your nose.
It can describe a pleasant scent, a neutral odor, or a bad stench.
The word functions as both a countable and uncountable noun in English.
Smell is closely linked to memory, emotion, and the perception of flavor.

The noun smell refers to the faculty of perceiving odors through the nose, as well as the specific quality of something that is perceived by this sense. It is one of the five primary human senses and is deeply intertwined with memory, emotion, and survival. In daily life, we use this word to describe everything from the delightful aroma of a morning coffee to the warning sign of a gas leak. It is a foundational word in English, appearing in both literal and metaphorical contexts. When we talk about the 'smell' of a place, we are often describing its character or atmosphere through olfaction.

The Biological Sense: This refers to the physical ability to detect chemicals in the air. For example, 'Her sense of smell was heightened during pregnancy.' It is the mechanism by which our brain interprets signals from the olfactory bulb.
The Perceived Odor: This is the actual scent emitted by an object. It can be positive, negative, or neutral. 'The smell of fresh rain on hot pavement is known as petrichor.'
Metaphorical Intuition: In a figurative sense, 'smell' can denote a feeling that something is true or about to happen. 'The detective didn't like the smell of the situation,' implying suspicion or a gut feeling.

The smell of lavender is often used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and sleep.

Example of a positive olfactory experience.

There was a strange smell coming from the basement, so we called a plumber.

Example of a warning or negative odor.

Furthermore, the word 'smell' is essential in scientific discourse when discussing chemical properties. Volatile organic compounds are often identified by their characteristic smell. In the culinary arts, the smell of ingredients is just as important as their taste, as much of what we perceive as flavor is actually derived from the olfactory system. This connection is why food tastes bland when you have a cold and your nose is blocked. Humans can distinguish thousands of different smells, and this ability is vital for detecting spoiled food or environmental hazards.

A dog's sense of smell is thousands of times more sensitive than a human's.

The sweet smell of success was finally within his reach after years of hard work.

The distinctive smell of old books always makes me feel nostalgic.

Using 'smell' as a noun requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. It can function as the subject of a sentence, the object of a verb, or part of a prepositional phrase. Because it is a sensory word, it is frequently modified by adjectives that provide more detail about the intensity, quality, or origin of the odor. Mastery of these patterns allows for more descriptive and evocative writing.

As a Subject: When 'smell' is the main topic: 'The smell of pine needles filled the forest air.' Here, the smell is the active element creating the atmosphere.
As a Direct Object: When something is done to the smell: 'I can't stand the smell of cigarette smoke.' The speaker is reacting to the noun.
With Modifiers: Common adjectives include 'faint', 'strong', 'pleasant', 'unpleasant', 'acrid', 'musty', and 'sweet'. For example: 'A musty smell greeted us when we opened the attic.'

She took a deep breath, inhaling the salty smell of the ocean.

In more complex sentence structures, 'smell' often appears in the construction 'the smell of [noun]'. This is the standard way to identify the source of an odor. We also see it in phrases like 'a sense of smell' or 'a whiff of a smell'. In professional writing, such as a lab report, you might see: 'The reaction produced a pungent smell of ammonia.' In creative writing, it might be: 'The smell of her mother's perfume lingered in the hallway long after she had left.'

There's a smell of burning coming from the kitchen!

The smell of freshly cut grass is a hallmark of summer.

He has a very poor sense of smell due to a chronic sinus condition.

Can you identify that smell? It reminds me of my grandmother's house.

The word 'smell' is ubiquitous in English-speaking environments. You will encounter it in domestic settings, clinical environments, and professional industries like gastronomy and perfumery. It is a word that bridges the gap between basic survival and high-level aesthetic appreciation. In a home, it is often used in a practical sense: 'Is that a smell of gas?' In a hospital, a doctor might ask, 'Have you noticed any changes in your sense of smell?'

In the Kitchen: Chefs often rely on the smell of a dish to determine if it is seasoned correctly. 'The smell of the spices should be balanced, not overpowering.'
In Marketing and Retail: Stores often use 'scent marketing' to create a specific smell that encourages customers to stay longer or spend more. 'The smell of fresh cookies in the lobby is a deliberate choice.'
In Literature and Film: Writers use smell to ground the reader in a scene. 'The smell of ozone preceded the thunderstorm,' creates immediate tension and atmosphere.

"I love the smell of napalm in the morning," is a famous movie quote from Apocalypse Now.

Beyond these specific fields, 'smell' is a staple of everyday conversation. Parents ask children, 'What is that smell on your shirt?' Friends might comment, 'The smell in this restaurant is amazing.' It is also a frequent topic in news reports concerning pollution or public safety. Environmental agencies might investigate a 'chemical smell' reported by residents near a factory. In the world of wine tasting, the 'smell' (often called the nose or bouquet) is analyzed to identify notes of fruit, oak, or earth.

The smell of new car leather is a status symbol for many buyers.

The persistent smell of damp in the apartment was a sign of a hidden leak.

The dog followed the smell of the treat hidden in the box.

The smell of disinfectant is common in hospitals and clinics.

While 'smell' is a basic word, learners often struggle with its nuances and its dual role as a noun and a verb. One of the most common errors is failing to distinguish between 'smell' and its synonyms, which can lead to inappropriate connotations. Another common mistake involves the grammar of describing smells, specifically the use of adjectives versus adverbs.

Noun vs. Verb Confusion: Learners sometimes say 'The smell is badly' instead of 'The smell is bad.' When using 'smell' as a noun, it must be followed by an adjective. When using 'smell' as a linking verb ('It smells bad'), it also takes an adjective.
Misusing Synonyms: Calling a bad odor a 'fragrance' or a 'scent' sounds sarcastic or confused. 'Fragrance' is for perfumes; 'aroma' is for food; 'smell' is neutral; 'stench' or 'odor' is usually negative.
Preposition Errors: Using the wrong preposition: 'The smell from the kitchen' is correct, but 'The smell at the kitchen' is usually wrong. 'The smell of roses' is the standard way to show possession.

Incorrect: "I have a good smell." Correct: "I have a good sense of smell."

Another subtle mistake is the over-reliance on 'smell' when more specific vocabulary would enhance the description. For instance, instead of saying 'the smell of a fire,' using 'the scent of woodsmoke' is much more evocative. Additionally, beginners often forget that 'smell' can be an abstract noun. In the phrase 'the smell of fear,' it doesn't mean a literal odor, but a perceptible atmosphere. Misinterpreting these idiomatic uses can lead to confusion in reading comprehension.

Incorrect: "This flower has a beautiful stink." Correct: "This flower has a beautiful scent."

Incorrect: "The smell was very loudly." Correct: "The smell was very strong."

Incorrect: "The smell of the room was clean." Correct: "The room had a clean smell."

Incorrect: "I can smell the music." (Unless you have synesthesia!)

The English language is incredibly rich in words for odors. While 'smell' is the most general term, choosing a more specific synonym can drastically change the tone of your sentence. Understanding the register and connotation of these alternatives is key to advanced fluency. Some words imply luxury and beauty, while others evoke disgust and decay.

Aroma vs. Fragrance: 'Aroma' is almost exclusively used for pleasant food and drink (coffee, baked bread). 'Fragrance' is used for pleasant non-food items, especially flowers and perfumes.
Scent vs. Odor: 'Scent' is a light, often natural and pleasant smell (the scent of pine). 'Odor' is more clinical or technical and often carries a slightly negative connotation (body odor, chemical odor).
Stench vs. Reek: Both are very negative. 'Stench' implies something foul and overpowering (the stench of rotting fish). 'Reek' is often used as a verb but as a noun implies a strong, unpleasant, lingering smell.

The aroma of roasting coffee beans drifted through the cafe.

When you want to describe a smell that is barely perceptible, use 'whiff' or 'hint'. 'I caught a whiff of perfume as she walked by.' If the smell is very complex, like in wine or a forest, 'bouquet' or 'notes' are appropriate. For example, 'This wine has a complex bouquet with notes of cherry and leather.' In scientific contexts, 'effluvium' might be used to describe an unpleasant or harmful vapor or smell, though this is quite formal and rare in casual speech.

The stench of the stagnant swamp was almost unbearable.

The scent of jasmine filled the garden on warm summer evenings.

The bouquet of the vintage wine was truly extraordinary.

I caught a whiff of something burning; did you leave the stove on?

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The word 'smell' is one of the few words in English that hasn't changed its spelling much in several centuries, showing its fundamental importance.

발음 가이드

UK /smɛl/

US /smɛl/

Single syllable; no primary stress needed.

라임이 맞는 단어

Bell Cell Dwell Fell Hell Shell Tell Well

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing it like 'smile' with a long 'i' sound.
Over-emphasizing the 'l' so it sounds like two syllables.
Swapping the 'e' for an 'a' (smal).
Dropping the 's' at the beginning (mell).
Adding a vowel sound after the 'l' (smell-uh).

난이도

독해 1/5

A very common word found in almost all types of texts.

쓰기 2/5

Easy to use, but requires care with adjectives and synonyms for higher-level writing.

말하기 1/5

Simple to pronounce and essential for daily conversation.

듣기 1/5

Easily recognized in spoken English due to its distinct sound.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

Nose See Good Bad Like

다음에 배울 것

Aroma Scent Fragrance Pungent Olfactory

고급

Petrichor Redolent Effluvium Anosmia Organoleptic

알아야 할 문법

Nouns used as adjectives

A smell sensor (where 'smell' modifies 'sensor').

Count vs Non-count nouns

He lost his smell (Non-count) vs. There are many smells in the market (Count).

Adjective placement

A strong smell (Adjective before noun).

Prepositional phrases

The smell of [something] or The smell from [somewhere].

Linking verbs with adjectives

The smell is bad (Noun + linking verb + adjective).

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수준별 예문

I like the smell of flowers.

Me gusta el olor de las flores.

Simple subject-verb-object structure with 'smell' as the object.

This is a bad smell.

Este es un mal olor.

Using 'smell' as a predicate nominative with an adjective.

The smell of pizza is good.

El olor de la pizza es bueno.

Common 'the smell of [noun]' pattern.

Do you like the smell of rain?

¿Te gusta el olor de la lluvia?

Interrogative sentence using 'smell' as the object.

The dog has a big nose and a good smell.

El perro tiene una nariz grande y un buen olfato.

Using 'smell' to mean the sense of olfaction.

I can't find the smell.

No puedo encontrar el olor.

Using 'smell' as a direct object.

The smell of chocolate is sweet.

El olor del chocolate es dulce.

Describing a specific quality of a smell.

Where is that smell coming from?

¿De dónde viene ese olor?

Using 'smell' in a question about origin.

There is a strong smell of onions in the kitchen.

Hay un fuerte olor a cebollas en la cocina.

Using 'strong' as a modifier for 'smell'.

The smell of the ocean makes me happy.

El olor del océano me hace feliz.

Using a noun phrase as the subject of the sentence.

I don't like the smell of old milk.

No me gusta el olor de la leche vieja.

Using an adjective to describe the source of the smell.

He lost his sense of smell because of a cold.

Él perdió su sentido del olfato debido a un resfriado.

The phrase 'sense of smell' is a common collocation.

The smell of fresh bread is wonderful.

El olor del pan recién hecho es maravilloso.

Using 'wonderful' to express a strong positive opinion.

Is that the smell of smoke I can detect?

¿Es ese el olor a humo que puedo detectar?

Using 'detect' with 'smell' as the object.

The smell in this room is very strange.

El olor en esta habitación es muy extraño.

Using 'strange' to describe an unfamiliar smell.

She loves the smell of lavender in her garden.

A ella le encanta el olor a lavanda en su jardín.

Identifying a specific floral smell.

The pleasant smell of the forest after the rain was refreshing.

El agradable olor del bosque después de la lluvia fue refrescante.

Using multiple modifiers: 'pleasant' and 'after the rain'.

I caught a faint smell of perfume as she walked past me.

Capté un tenue olor a perfume cuando ella pasó a mi lado.

The verb 'catch' is often used with 'smell'.

The smell of success was almost tangible after the deal was signed.

El olor del éxito era casi tangible después de que se firmó el acuerdo.

Metaphorical use of 'smell'.

There was an unmistakable smell of gas in the hallway.

Había un olor inconfundible a gas en el pasillo.

'Unmistakable' is a strong, precise adjective.

The smell of the old books reminded him of his grandfather's library.

El olor de los libros viejos le recordó a la biblioteca de su abuelo.

Using 'remind [someone] of' with 'smell'.

Scientists are studying how the smell of certain herbs can reduce stress.

Los científicos están estudiando cómo el olor de ciertas hierbas puede reducir el estrés.

Using 'smell' in a scientific/explanatory context.

The pungent smell of the cheese filled the entire room.

El olor acre del queso llenó toda la habitación.

'Pungent' is a more advanced adjective for strong smells.

She has a very keen sense of smell, which helps her in her job as a chef.

Ella tiene un sentido del olfato muy agudo, lo que la ayuda en su trabajo como chef.

'Keen' is a common adjective for a sharp sense of smell.

The lingering smell of woodsmoke clung to his clothes long after the campfire.

El olor persistente del humo de leña se pegó a su ropa mucho después de la fogata.

'Lingering' describes a smell that stays for a long time.

A distinctive smell of ozone often precedes a severe thunderstorm.

Un olor distintivo a ozono a menudo precede a una tormenta eléctrica severa.

'Distinctive' is used for a unique, recognizable smell.

The smell of the hospital always made him feel slightly anxious.

El olor del hospital siempre lo hacía sentir un poco ansioso.

Using 'smell' to describe a characteristic environment.

The overwhelming smell of the garbage dump was a major concern for local residents.

El olor abrumador del vertedero de basura era una gran preocupación para los residentes locales.

'Overwhelming' implies the smell is too strong to ignore.

The subtle smell of jasmine in the air added to the romantic atmosphere.

El sutil olor a jazmín en el aire se sumó a la atmósfera romántica.

'Subtle' is the opposite of 'strong' or 'overwhelming'.

The smell of decay was everywhere in the abandoned mansion.

El olor a decadencia estaba en todas partes en la mansión abandonada.

Using 'decay' to describe a complex, negative smell.

The smell of the bakery was a powerful trigger for her childhood memories.

El olor de la panadería fue un poderoso desencadenante para sus recuerdos de la infancia.

Using 'trigger' to describe the psychological effect of a smell.

The wine's complex smell included notes of dark chocolate and blackberry.

El complejo olor del vino incluía notas de chocolate negro y mora.

Using 'notes of' to describe components of a smell.

The evocative smell of pine needles transported him back to the summers of his youth.

El evocador olor a agujas de pino lo transportó de regreso a los veranos de su juventud.

'Evocative' is a high-level adjective for smells that bring back memories.

There was a faint, acrid smell in the air that suggested something was burning nearby.

Había un olor acre y tenue en el aire que sugería que algo se estaba quemando cerca.

'Acrid' describes a sharp, irritating smell.

The smell of the marketplace was a heady mixture of spices, leather, and sweat.

El olor del mercado era una mezcla embriagadora de especias, cuero y sudor.

'Heady' describes a smell that is strong and potentially dizzying.

The loss of his sense of smell was a devastating blow to the professional perfumer.

La pérdida de su sentido del olfato fue un golpe devastador para el perfumista profesional.

Contextualizing 'sense of smell' within a career.

The smell of the old theater, a blend of dust and greasepaint, was nostalgic for the actors.

El olor del viejo teatro, una mezcla de polvo y maquillaje, era nostálgico para los actores.

Using an appositive phrase ('a blend of...') to detail the smell.

The pervasive smell of chemicals from the nearby factory led to a public inquiry.

El olor generalizado de productos químicos de la fábrica cercana provocó una investigación pública.

'Pervasive' describes a smell that spreads through an entire area.

The smell of the sea was particularly pungent that morning, thick with the scent of kelp.

El olor del mar era particularmente acre esa mañana, cargado con el aroma de las algas.

Using 'thick with' to describe the intensity of a smell.

The smell of fear in the room was almost palpable as the results were about to be announced.

El olor del miedo en la habitación era casi palpable mientras los resultados estaban a punto de ser anunciados.

Abstract and figurative use of 'smell' for atmosphere.

The olfactory landscape of the city was defined by the smell of diesel and street food.

El paisaje olfativo de la ciudad estaba definido por el olor a diésel y comida callejera.

'Olfactory landscape' is a sophisticated way to discuss collective smells.

The smell of the rain hitting the parched earth, known as petrichor, is universally loved.

El olor de la lluvia al golpear la tierra seca, conocido como petricor, es amado universalmente.

Incorporating technical terms like 'petrichor' into the description.

The complex smell of the vintage Bordeaux revealed its long maturation in oak barrels.

El complejo olor del Bordeaux añejo revelaba su larga maduración en barricas de roble.

Linking smell to the process of production (maturation).

She could detect the faint smell of deception in his elaborate excuses.

Ella pudo detectar el tenue olor al engaño en sus elaboradas excusas.

Highly metaphorical use of 'smell' for intuition.

The smell of the library was a redolent mix of parchment and centuries of scholarship.

El olor de la biblioteca era una mezcla fragante de pergamino y siglos de erudición.

'Redolent' is a very formal, literary word for 'smelling of'.

The pervasive smell of the marshland was a constant companion to the researchers.

El olor generalizado de las marismas fue un compañero constante para los investigadores.

Personifying the smell as a 'companion'.

The smell of the air before a blizzard has a crisp, metallic quality that is hard to describe.

El olor del aire antes de una ventisca tiene una cualidad nítida y metálica que es difícil de describir.

Describing abstract qualities like 'metallic' in a smell.

The smell of the incense in the temple created a transcendental experience for the pilgrims.

El olor del incienso en el templo creó una experiencia trascendental para los peregrinos.

Connecting smell to spiritual or psychological states.

자주 쓰는 조합

Strong smell

Faint smell

Sense of smell

Distinctive smell

Unpleasant smell

Lingering smell

Pungent smell

Sweet smell

Foul smell

Loss of smell

자주 쓰는 구문

The smell of...

— The standard way to identify what is producing an odor.

The smell of freshly baked bread is my favorite.

A strange smell

— Used when you notice an odor that is unusual or worrying.

There is a strange smell coming from the engine.

A nice smell

— A simple, informal way to describe a pleasant odor.

What a nice smell! Are you cooking something?

Catch a smell

— To notice an odor briefly as it passes by.

I caught a smell of rain on the wind.

Follow the smell

— To move toward the source of an odor.

The dog followed the smell of the meat.

Get a smell of

— To deliberately sniff something to identify its odor.

Get a smell of this milk; I think it's gone bad.

Overpowered by the smell

— When a smell is so strong it is difficult to breathe or think.

We were almost overpowered by the smell of the chemicals.

Characteristic smell

— A smell that is typical of a specific thing.

That old house had the characteristic smell of damp wood.

Natural smell

— A smell that comes from nature, not from chemicals.

I prefer the natural smell of the forest to any perfume.

Burnt smell

— The odor produced by something that has been on fire.

There was a burnt smell in the kitchen after the toast was forgotten.

자주 혼동되는 단어

smell vs Smile

A common pronunciation error; 'smile' is with the mouth, 'smell' is with the nose.

smell vs Small

A spelling/pronunciation error; 'small' refers to size, 'smell' to odor.

smell vs Taste

While related, 'taste' is with the tongue, 'smell' is with the nose, though they work together.

관용어 및 표현

"Stop and smell the roses"

— To slow down and enjoy the small, pleasant things in life.

You work too hard; you need to stop and smell the roses.

Informal

"Smell a rat"

— To suspect that something is wrong or that someone is being dishonest.

When he offered me the car for half price, I began to smell a rat.

Informal/Idiomatic

"Come up smelling of roses"

— To emerge from a difficult or suspicious situation looking good or innocent.

Despite the scandal, the politician came up smelling of roses.

Informal

"Smell blood"

— To sense that an opponent is weak and that victory is near.

The prosecutor smelled blood when the witness started to stutter.

Metaphorical

"The smell of success"

— The feeling or atmosphere that accompanies achievement.

He loved the smell of success that filled the room after the launch.

Informal

"Smell trouble"

— To sense that a situation is likely to become difficult or dangerous.

As soon as the group walked in, the bartender smelled trouble.

Informal

"A smell of the lamp"

— Used to describe a piece of writing that seems to have required too much effort and lacks spontaneity.

His latest novel has a distinct smell of the lamp.

Literary/Rare

"Smell like a rose"

— To be completely innocent or to have a very good reputation.

She handled the mistake so well she ended up smelling like a rose.

Informal

"The sweet smell of revenge"

— The satisfaction felt when getting back at someone who has wronged you.

Winning the game after they cheated gave us the sweet smell of revenge.

Idiomatic

"Smell something a mile off"

— To be able to detect or recognize something very easily from a distance.

I can smell a lie a mile off.

Informal

혼동하기 쉬운

smell vs Aroma

Both mean a smell.

'Aroma' is specifically for pleasant smells, usually food or drink, while 'smell' is general.

The aroma of the soup was inviting.

smell vs Scent

Both mean a smell.

'Scent' is usually light and pleasant, often from nature; 'smell' can be anything.

The scent of the roses was very sweet.

smell vs Odor

Both mean a smell.

'Odor' is more formal or clinical and often used for unpleasant or chemical smells.

The body odor was noticeable in the gym.

smell vs Fragrance

Both mean a smell.

'Fragrance' is mostly for perfumes and flowers; 'smell' is more common and less formal.

This soap has a lovely citrus fragrance.

smell vs Stench

Both mean a smell.

'Stench' is always very bad and very strong; 'smell' is neutral.

The stench from the sewer was terrible.

문장 패턴

I like the smell of [noun].

I like the smell of bread.

There is a [adjective] smell in the [place].

There is a strong smell in the kitchen.

The smell of [noun] reminds me of [noun/phrase].

The smell of rain reminds me of my home town.

A [adjective] smell of [noun] filled the [place].

A lingering smell of smoke filled the room.

The [adjective] smell was [adjective], suggesting [clause].

The acrid smell was faint, suggesting the fire was far away.

The [adjective] redolence of [noun] created a [adjective] atmosphere.

The heavy redolence of incense created a mystical atmosphere.

All

He lost his sense of smell.

He lost his sense of smell after the accident.

All

What is that smell?

What is that smell coming from the garage?

어휘 가족

명사

Smell

Smeller

Smelliness

동사

Smell

Smelt

형용사

Smelly

Smellable

Smell-less

사용법

frequency

Extremely high in daily life and literature.

자주 하는 실수

Using 'smell' as an adverb. → The smell is bad.
You cannot say 'The smell is badly.' Nouns are modified by adjectives, not adverbs.
Confusing 'smell' and 'smile'. → I like the smell of flowers.
Learners often mix these up due to the similar spelling, but they have very different meanings.
Using 'aroma' for a bad smell. → There was a terrible odor in the room.
'Aroma' is only for pleasant things, usually food. Using it for a bad smell sounds like a mistake.
Saying 'I have a smell'. → I have a good sense of smell.
'I have a smell' can mean that you yourself smell bad. Always use 'sense of smell' for the faculty.
Overusing 'smell' in descriptive writing. → The scent of jasmine filled the air.
In creative writing, using more specific words like 'scent' or 'fragrance' is usually better than 'smell'.

팁

Use Specific Adjectives

Instead of saying 'the smell is bad', try 'the smell is pungent' or 'the smell is acrid' to be more descriptive.

Noun vs. Adjective

Remember that 'smell' is the noun. If you want to describe something that has a smell, use the adjective 'smelly' or 'scented'.

Choose the Right Synonym

Use 'aroma' for food, 'fragrance' for perfume, and 'stench' for something truly disgusting.

Smell a Rat

Use this phrase when you think someone is lying to you or something is not as it seems.

Short 'E' Sound

Keep the 'e' sound short, like in 'egg' or 'pet', to pronounce 'smell' correctly.

Show, Don't Tell

Instead of saying 'the room smelled', describe the 'smell of old newspapers and dust' to create a better image.

Sense of Smell

Remember that 'smell' is linked to 'taste'. If you can't smell, you often can't taste food very well either.

Wine and Perfume

In these industries, 'smell' is often called the 'nose' or the 'bouquet'. Use these terms to sound like an expert.

Smell of Gas

Always take a 'smell of gas' seriously; it's a common way the word is used in emergency situations.

The Power of Smell

Smell is the sense most closely linked to memory. Use this fact in your writing to trigger nostalgia in your characters.

암기하기

기억법

Smell starts with 'S' like 'Sniff' and ends with 'LL' like 'Nose-full'.

시각적 연상

Imagine a giant nose sniffing a beautiful flower and a stinky trash can at the same time.

Word Web

Nose Odor Scent Aroma Sniff Perfume Stench Sense

챌린지

Try to describe three different smells you encounter today using at least one adjective for each.

어원

Derived from Middle English 'smellen', which comes from Old English roots that are not fully recorded but are related to Middle Dutch 'smellen' and Middle Low German 'smellen'. It has been part of the English language for over a thousand years.

원래 의미: To emit an odor or to perceive an odor.

Germanic

문화적 맥락

Be careful when commenting on the smell of people or their food, as this can be culturally insensitive or offensive.

English speakers often use 'smell' as a neutral term, but are quick to switch to 'scent' for things they like and 'odor' for things they don't.

The Proustian Moment (from Marcel Proust's 'In Search of Lost Time') where the smell of a madeleine cake triggers a flood of memories. The movie 'Perfume: The Story of a Murderer' based on Patrick Süskind's novel. The phrase 'I love the smell of napalm in the morning' from the film Apocalypse Now.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Cooking/Kitchen

The smell of spices
A burnt smell
The aroma of coffee
Smells like dinner

Nature/Outdoors

The smell of rain
The scent of flowers
The smell of the sea
Fresh air smell

Health/Medicine

Loss of smell
Sense of smell
A chemical smell
Heightened smell

Suspicion/Intuition

Smell a rat
Smell trouble
A bad smell to the deal
The smell of fear

Shopping/Beauty

The smell of perfume
A nice fragrance
Try the smell
Scented candles

대화 시작하기

"What is your favorite smell in the whole world and why?"

"Is there a smell that always reminds you of your childhood?"

"Have you ever noticed a strange smell and found out it was something dangerous?"

"Do you think the smell of a restaurant is as important as the taste of the food?"

"If you had to lose one of your five senses, would it be your sense of smell?"

일기 주제

Describe the smell of your favorite season in as much detail as possible.

Write about a time a specific smell triggered a very strong memory for you.

Imagine a world where humans had a sense of smell as strong as a dog's. How would life change?

List five smells you love and five smells you hate, and explain why for each one.

Describe the 'smell' of your home to someone who has never been there.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

It is both! As a noun, it means the odor itself ('The smell is nice'). As a verb, it means the action of using your nose ('I smell the flowers').

Yes, 'a good smell' is perfectly correct and common in casual English. For more formal use, you might use 'a pleasant aroma' or 'a lovely fragrance'.

'Smell' is the general word for anything you perceive with your nose. 'Scent' is usually a pleasant, light, and natural smell, like that of a flower or the woods.

Not always, but it often has a negative or clinical connotation. For example, 'body odor' is bad, but 'a chemical odor' might just be a neutral description in a lab.

You can use it to describe a feeling or suspicion. For example, 'I smell trouble' means you sense that something bad is going to happen soon.

It refers to the biological ability to detect odors. Humans have five main senses, and the sense of smell (olfaction) is one of them.

It's an idiom that means you should slow down and enjoy the simple, beautiful parts of life instead of always being busy and stressed.

'Smelly' is almost always bad. If you say something is 'smelly', it means it has a strong and unpleasant odor, like smelly socks.

Yes, when referring to the general faculty of olfaction, it is uncountable. Example: 'His sense of smell is very sharp.'

A 'whiff' is a very brief and light smell that you catch for just a second as the air moves past you.

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