When we talk about 口臭 (kōshū), we're talking about bad breath. It's that unpleasant smell that can sometimes come from your mouth.
Think of it like this: after you eat something strong, or if you haven't brushed your teeth, your mouth might not smell so fresh. That's 口臭.
It's an important word to know, especially if you want to talk about hygiene or health in Japanese. You might hear people talk about wanting to prevent 口臭, maybe by brushing their teeth or using mouthwash.
So, remember, 口臭 just means bad breath!
When discussing personal hygiene or health in Japanese, you'll inevitably come across the word 口臭 (kōshū). This noun directly translates to 'bad breath' or 'halitosis'. It's a common term used in medical contexts, in advertisements for dental products, or simply in everyday conversation when someone might be referring to an unpleasant oral odor.
Understanding 口臭 is practical for situations like visiting a dentist in Japan, reading health advice, or even delicately hinting to a friend about a mint. While the topic itself might be a bit sensitive, the word itself is quite straightforward and widely understood.
When discussing medical conditions or personal hygiene, using the correct terminology is important. 口臭 (kōshū) specifically refers to bad breath or halitosis. It's a common term you'll hear in conversations about health, dental care, or even in casual remarks among friends. For instance, if someone is concerned about their breath after eating garlic, they might subtly mention 口臭. Understanding this word helps you navigate daily conversations and understand health-related discussions more accurately.
When discussing medical conditions or personal hygiene, knowing how to refer to 'bad breath' is very practical. The term for this in Japanese is 口臭 (kōshū). It’s a direct and common way to talk about this issue, whether you’re at the dentist, discussing health, or simply being discreet about it. Recognizing this term can be quite helpful in everyday conversations about health and well-being.
§ What Does 口臭 Mean?
The Japanese word 口臭 (kōshū) directly translates to "bad breath." It's a compound word made of 口 (kuchi), meaning "mouth," and 臭 (shū), meaning "smell" or "odor." So, literally, it means "mouth smell." When Japanese people use this word, they are referring to an unpleasant odor coming from someone's mouth.
- DEFINITION
- Bad breath; an unpleasant odor from the mouth.
It's a common and practical term you'll hear in everyday conversations, especially in health-related contexts, when discussing personal hygiene, or even just in general conversation if someone is concerned about their breath or someone else's. It's a straightforward term, so there's not much room for misunderstanding its core meaning.
§ When Do People Use 口臭?
You'll typically encounter and use 口臭 in situations where bad breath is being discussed. Here are some common scenarios:
- Talking about personal hygiene: If you're discussing dental care, brushing teeth, or using mouthwash, 口臭 will likely come up as something people want to prevent or eliminate.
- Medical or dental contexts: Dentists and doctors will use this term when diagnosing or discussing oral health issues that might lead to bad breath.
- Expressing concern: While it might be a bit impolite to directly tell someone they have 口臭 in many cultures, including Japanese, people might talk about their own concerns or discreetly mention it if it's a close friend or family member.
- In advertisements: You'll often see 口臭 used in ads for toothpaste, mouthwash, breath mints, and other oral care products.
- In casual conversation: Sometimes, people might jokingly mention it or discuss it in a general sense, like "garlic causes bad breath."
§ Examples of 口臭 in Use
彼は口臭がひどいので、歯医者に行くべきだ。
He has terrible bad breath, so he should go to the dentist.
朝起きたら、自分の口臭が気になった。
When I woke up in the morning, I was concerned about my own bad breath.
このガムは口臭予防に効果があります。
This gum is effective for preventing bad breath.
ニンニクを食べると口臭がする。
Eating garlic causes bad breath.
口臭の原因はさまざまです。
The causes of bad breath are various.
§ Practical Tips for Learners
Understanding 口臭 is essential for practical conversations about health and hygiene in Japanese. It's a straightforward term, but its cultural context of usage is also important to grasp.
§ Understanding 口臭 (kōshū)
The Japanese word for "bad breath" is 口臭 (kōshū). It's a noun and fairly straightforward to use in sentences. Let's break down how to use it naturally.
- Japanese Word
- 口臭 (kōshū)
- Meaning
- Bad breath; an unpleasant odor from the mouth.
- CEFR Level
- B1
§ Basic Usage with がある (ga aru)
The most common way to say someone "has bad breath" is to use 口臭 (kōshū) with the particle が (ga) and the verb ある (aru), which means "to have" or "there is."
彼は口臭がある。 (Kare wa kōshū ga aru.)
Hint: He has bad breath.
彼女は口臭を気にしている。 (Kanojo wa kōshū o ki ni shiteiru.)
Hint: She is worried about her bad breath.
§ Describing the Cause of Bad Breath
You can also specify what causes bad breath. For this, you often combine 口臭 (kōshū) with other nouns or use descriptive phrases.
- コーヒーによる口臭 (kōhī ni yoru kōshū): Bad breath caused by coffee.
- ニンニクの口臭 (ninniku no kōshū): Garlic breath (lit. bad breath of garlic).
ニンニクを食べた後は、口臭が気になる。 (Ninniku o tabeta ato wa, kōshū ga ki ni naru.)
Hint: After eating garlic, I worry about my bad breath.
彼はタバコによる口臭に悩んでいる。 (Kare wa tabako ni yoru kōshū ni nayandeiru.)
Hint: He is suffering from bad breath caused by tobacco.
§ Verbs used with 口臭 (kōshū)
Here are some common verbs that often appear with 口臭 (kōshū):
- 口臭を予防する (kōshū o yobō suru): to prevent bad breath
- 口臭を消す (kōshū o kesu): to eliminate/get rid of bad breath
- 口臭を抑える (kōshū o osaeru): to suppress/control bad breath
- 口臭に悩む (kōshū ni nayamu): to suffer from bad breath
- 口臭を指摘する (kōshū o shiteki suru): to point out bad breath (be careful with this one!)
口臭を予防するために歯を磨く。 (Kōshū o yobō suru tame ni ha o migaku.)
Hint: I brush my teeth to prevent bad breath.
ガムを噛んで口臭を抑える。 (Gamu o kande kōshū o osaeru.)
Hint: I chew gum to suppress bad breath.
§ Related Vocabulary
While 口臭 (kōshū) specifically refers to bad breath, here are some related terms you might encounter:
- 息 (iki): breath (general term)
- 息が臭い (iki ga kusai): breath smells bad (a more direct and possibly impolite way to say someone has bad breath)
- 歯磨き (hamigaki): tooth brushing, toothbrush
- マウスウォッシュ (mausuwosshu): mouthwash (katakana for English)
歯磨きで口臭を防ぐ。 (Hamigaki de kōshū o fusegu.)
Hint: Prevent bad breath by brushing your teeth.
Alright, let's talk about the word 口臭 (kōshū). You've probably figured out from the definition that it means 'bad breath'. It's not the most pleasant topic, but it's a common word you'll hear in various situations in Japan. Knowing how and where it's used will definitely help your Japanese sound more natural.
§ Understanding 口臭: A Quick Review
- Japanese Word
- 口臭 (kōshū)
- Meaning
- Bad breath; an unpleasant odor from the mouth.
This word is pretty straightforward. It's a noun, and it directly refers to the condition of having bad breath. You won't often hear it used as a verb or adjective directly, but you'll see it combined with other words to express ideas related to bad breath.
§ 口臭 in Everyday Conversation
So, where might you actually encounter this word? It's more common than you think. While people might not directly tell you, 'You have 口臭,' it comes up in discussions about health, hygiene, and even in advertising.
- At the dentist or doctor: If you're discussing dental hygiene or stomach issues, 口臭 might be mentioned as a symptom or a concern.
- In advertisements: You'll see it on commercials for toothpaste, mouthwash, or breath mints. These products often market themselves as solutions for 口臭.
- When talking about personal hygiene: Friends or family might discuss it in a general sense, or if someone is concerned about their own breath.
歯磨きをしないと、口臭がひどくなりますよ。
- Hint
- If you don't brush your teeth, your bad breath will get worse.
口臭予防には、マウスウォッシュが効果的です。
- Hint
- Mouthwash is effective for preventing bad breath.
§ 口臭 in Professional Settings (Work/School)
In a professional or academic environment, direct discussions about 口臭 are generally avoided due to politeness. However, it can be an underlying concern in situations where close contact is common.
- Work meetings: While unspoken, personal hygiene, including breath, is something people are generally mindful of, especially in close-quarter meetings or client interactions.
- School: Similar to work, students and teachers are usually mindful of personal hygiene. Discussions might arise in health education classes.
- Healthcare professions: Dentists, doctors, and nurses might use the term when discussing patient health or advising on oral hygiene.
患者さんの口臭の原因を特定する必要があります。
- Hint
- We need to identify the cause of the patient's bad breath.
§ 口臭 in News and Media
You're less likely to find 口臭 as a headline in the news, but it does appear in health-related segments, lifestyle articles, or consumer reports.
- Health news: Articles discussing oral hygiene trends, new dental products, or health conditions that cause bad breath.
- Magazine features: Lifestyle magazines might have sections on personal care, where 口臭 is mentioned.
- Interviews with experts: Dentists or medical professionals might discuss 口臭 in interviews about public health.
研究によると、特定の食品が口臭を引き起こす可能性があります。
- Hint
- According to research, certain foods can cause bad breath.
§ Key Takeaways for 口臭
The main thing to remember about 口臭 is that it's a direct and practical term. You'll encounter it when talking about personal health, hygiene products, and sometimes in a more formal medical context.
- It's a noun, almost always referring to 'bad breath' itself.
- Look for it in ads for oral care products.
- It's generally discussed discreetly in polite conversation, but openly in medical settings.
- It's a useful word to know for understanding health and hygiene discussions in Japanese.
Keep practicing, and you'll find that words like 口臭 become second nature. It's all about recognizing them in context. Good job!
§ Understanding 口臭 (kōshū)
You've learned that 口臭 (kōshū) means 'bad breath' or 'an unpleasant odor from the mouth.' It's a straightforward term used to describe this specific condition. Now, let's look at some related words and phrases to help you understand when to use 口臭 and what alternatives exist.
§ Directly Related Terms
- 口臭い (kuchi kusai)
- This is an adjective meaning 'having bad breath.' While 口臭 (kōshū) is the noun (the bad breath itself), 口臭い (kuchi kusai) describes a person or their mouth as having bad breath.
彼は口臭いから、いつもガムを噛んでいる。(Kare wa kuchi kusai kara, itsumo gamu o kandeiru.)
Translation hint: He has bad breath, so he always chews gum.
- 口臭症 (kōshūshō)
- This term refers to halitosis, the medical condition of chronic bad breath. It's more formal and medical than just 口臭.
口臭症の治療のために歯医者に行った。(Kōshūshō no chiryō no tame ni haisha ni itta.)
Translation hint: I went to the dentist for the treatment of halitosis.
§ General Terms for Unpleasant Odors
While 口臭 specifically refers to bad breath, there are more general terms for 'smell' or 'odor' that you might encounter. These are not direct synonyms for 口臭 but are good to know for context.
- 臭い (nioi): This is a general term for 'smell' or 'odor.' It can be good or bad, but when used alone or with negative nuance, it often implies a bad smell.
- 匂い (nioi): Same pronunciation as above, but often used for pleasant smells, like a flower's fragrance. However, it can also refer to a general smell.
- 悪臭 (akushū): This specifically means 'bad smell' or 'stench.' It's a stronger term than 臭い when you want to emphasize the unpleasantness.
§ When to Use 口臭 vs. Alternatives
Here’s a quick guide:
- Use 口臭 (kōshū) when you are talking about 'bad breath' as a noun. This is the most direct and common way to refer to it.
- Use 口臭い (kuchi kusai) when you want to describe someone as 'having bad breath.' It functions as an adjective.
- Use 口臭症 (kōshūshō) when discussing the medical condition of chronic bad breath (halitosis). It's more clinical.
Let's look at a few more examples to solidify your understanding:
口臭が気になるので、ミントを食べた。(Kōshū ga ki ni naru node, minto o tabeta.)
Translation hint: My bad breath bothers me, so I ate a mint.
朝起きたら、自分の口が口臭いと感じた。(Asa okitara, jibun no kuchi ga kuchi kusai to kanjita.)
Translation hint: When I woke up in the morning, I felt my mouth had bad breath.
Difficulty Rating
Two common kanji.
Two common kanji.
Straightforward pronunciation.
Clear pronunciation.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
N の N: Use の to connect two nouns, where the first noun modifies the second. In this case, 口臭 can be modified by nouns describing its cause or characteristic.
タバコの口臭 (tabako no kōshū) - tobacco breath
Verb-てしまう (shimau): This expresses an action that is completed, often with an unintended or regrettable nuance. Can be used with verbs related to developing bad breath.
口臭がひどくなってしまった (kōshū ga hidoku natte shimatta) - My bad breath has become terrible (unintended consequence).
Verb-やすい (yasui) / Verb-にくい (nikui): These suffixes indicate ease or difficulty of an action. Can describe someone prone to bad breath or someone who rarely has it.
口臭になりやすい食べ物 (kōshū ni nari yasui tabemono) - Foods that easily cause bad breath.
〜がある (ga aru): Indicates existence or possession. Can be used to state that someone has bad breath.
彼には口臭がある (kare ni wa kōshū ga aru) - He has bad breath.
〜を気にする (o ki ni suru): To care about, to be concerned about. Can be used to talk about someone being concerned about their bad breath.
口臭を気にしている (kōshū o ki ni shite iru) - (Someone) is concerned about their bad breath.
Examples by Level
彼の口臭はひどい。
His bad breath is terrible.
口臭の原因は何ですか？
What is the cause of bad breath?
朝は口臭が気になる。
I'm concerned about bad breath in the morning.
歯磨きで口臭を防ぐ。
Prevent bad breath by brushing teeth.
彼女は口臭を気にしている。
She is worried about her bad breath.
ミントで口臭を消す。
Eliminate bad breath with mint.
口臭予防にガムを噛む。
Chew gum to prevent bad breath.
タバコは口臭を悪化させる。
Smoking worsens bad breath.
彼にはひどい口臭がある。
He has terrible bad breath.
口臭の原因は何ですか？
What is the cause of bad breath?
歯磨きで口臭を予防できます。
You can prevent bad breath by brushing your teeth.
彼女は口臭を気にしている。
She is worried about her bad breath.
朝は口臭がひどいことが多い。
Bad breath is often severe in the morning.
口臭対策には、デンタルフロスも有効です。
Dental floss is also effective for bad breath measures.
ニンニクを食べると口臭が強くなる。
Eating garlic makes bad breath stronger.
医者に口臭の相談をしました。
I consulted a doctor about bad breath.
彼は口臭を気にして、いつもミントを食べています。
He is concerned about bad breath, so he always eats mints.
Verb て-form + います indicates a continuous action or state.
朝起きた時に口臭がするのは普通のことです。
It's normal to have bad breath when you wake up in the morning.
Verb-dictionary form + 時に (toki ni) means 'when...'
ニンニクを食べた後は口臭が強くなります。
After eating garlic, bad breath becomes strong.
Verb past tense + 後は (ato wa) means 'after...'
口臭の原因は様々で、歯科医に相談するのが一番です。
The causes of bad breath are various, and it's best to consult a dentist.
Noun の原因 (no gen'in) means 'cause of...'
彼女は自分の口臭に気づいていないようでした。
She didn't seem to notice her own bad breath.
Noun に気づく (ni kizuku) means 'to notice...'
喫煙は口臭を悪化させる一因となります。
Smoking can be a contributing factor to worsening bad breath.
Verb-dictionary form + ことは (koto wa) can turn a verb phrase into a noun phrase.
会話中に相手の口臭が気になって集中できませんでした。
During the conversation, I was bothered by the other person's bad breath and couldn't concentrate.
Verb て-form + 気になる (ki ni naru) means 'to be concerned about' or 'to be bothered by'.
口臭予防のために、毎日の歯磨きを怠らないでください。
To prevent bad breath, please don't neglect daily tooth brushing.
Verb-dictionary form + ために (tame ni) means 'in order to...'
彼は口臭を気にして、いつもミントを携帯している。
He is concerned about bad breath, so he always carries mints.
〜を気にする (to be concerned about something)
朝起きた時に口臭がするのは、よくあることだ。
Having bad breath when waking up in the morning is a common occurrence.
〜するのは、よくあることだ (it's a common thing to do...)
ニンニクを食べた後は、口臭が強くなる傾向がある。
After eating garlic, there is a tendency for bad breath to become stronger.
〜傾向がある (there is a tendency to...)
歯磨きを怠ると、口臭の原因になることがある。
Neglecting to brush your teeth can sometimes cause bad breath.
〜を怠る (to neglect something)
彼女は自分の口臭に気づかず、周りの人に迷惑をかけていた。
She was unaware of her own bad breath and was bothering those around her.
〜に気づかず (without noticing...)
ストレスが原因で口臭が悪化することもあると聞いた。
I heard that stress can also worsen bad breath.
〜が悪化する (to worsen)
専門家によると、口臭は病気のサインである場合もある。
According to experts, bad breath can sometimes be a sign of illness.
〜である場合もある (there are cases where it is...)
口臭予防のために、定期的な歯科検診が推奨される。
Regular dental check-ups are recommended for the prevention of bad breath.
〜が推奨される (to be recommended)
朝起きたとき、自分の口臭が気になったので歯を磨きました。
When I woke up in the morning, I was concerned about my own bad breath so I brushed my teeth.
〜とき (when), 自分の〜 (my own), 気になる (to be concerned about), ので (because), 歯を磨く (to brush teeth)
にんにく料理を食べた後は、口臭が強くなる傾向があります。
After eating garlic dishes, there is a tendency for bad breath to become strong.
〜の後 (after), 〜料理 (〜dish), 傾向がある (there is a tendency)
彼は口臭を気にして、常にミントガムを持ち歩いている。
He is concerned about bad breath and always carries mint gum with him.
〜を気にする (to be concerned about), 常に (always), 持ち歩く (to carry with oneself)
口臭の原因は様々ですが、虫歯や歯周病もその一つです。
There are various causes of bad breath, and tooth decay and periodontal disease are also among them.
〜の原因 (cause of 〜), 様々 (various), 〜もその一つ (〜is also one of them)
会議で発言する前に、口臭がないか確認する習慣があります。
Before speaking at a meeting, I have a habit of checking if I have bad breath.
〜前に (before), 発言する (to speak/make a statement), 〜がないか (if there is no 〜), 習慣 (habit)
彼の口臭がひどくて、近くで話すのが苦痛だった。
His bad breath was severe, and talking near him was painful.
〜がひどい (〜is severe), 近くで (nearby), 〜のが苦痛 (it is painful to 〜)
口臭対策として、定期的な歯磨きと舌磨きが推奨されています。
As a measure against bad breath, regular teeth brushing and tongue brushing are recommended.
〜対策として (as a measure against 〜), 定期的な〜 (regular 〜), 舌磨き (tongue brushing), 推薦される (to be recommended)
ストレスが溜まると、唾液の分泌が減少し、口臭を引き起こすことがあります。
When stress accumulates, saliva secretion decreases, which can cause bad breath.
〜が溜まる (to accumulate/build up), 唾液の分泌 (saliva secretion), 減少する (to decrease), 〜を引き起こす (to cause 〜), 〜ことがある (there are times when 〜/it can happen that 〜)
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
自分の口臭が気になります。
I am concerned about my bad breath.
口臭の原因は何ですか？
What is the cause of bad breath?
口臭予防に効果的な方法を教えてください。
Please tell me effective ways to prevent bad breath.
彼、口臭がするよ。
He has bad breath.
食後に口臭ケアをします。
I do bad breath care after meals.
朝起きたら口臭がひどかった。
My bad breath was severe when I woke up in the morning.
口臭を抑えるにはどうすればいいですか？
What should I do to suppress bad breath?
口臭に悩んでいる人が多いです。
Many people are suffering from bad breath.
これは口臭チェックの機械です。
This is a bad breath checking machine.
ニンニクを食べると口臭が強くなる。
Eating garlic makes your bad breath stronger.
Often Confused With
While 口臭い literally means 'mouth smelly' and can be used to describe bad breath informally, 口臭 is the more formal and commonly used noun for 'bad breath'.
This is a common Japanese female name and has no relation to bad breath. It sounds somewhat similar to some English words related to 'halitosis', but there's no linguistic connection.
This is a descriptive phrase meaning 'the mouth smells bad'. It's a grammatical sentence describing the state of having bad breath, whereas 口臭 is the noun for the condition itself.
Grammar Patterns
Easily Confused
Both 息 and 口臭 relate to the mouth and breathing. However, 息 generally refers to breath in a neutral sense, like breathing itself or the air expelled from the lungs, whereas 口臭 specifically refers to bad breath.
息 is 'breath' (neutral), 口臭 is 'bad breath' (negative).
息を吸う (iki o suu) - To inhale. / 息を吐く (iki o haku) - To exhale.
臭い can mean 'smell' or 'odor' in general, and it can also be used to describe a bad smell. This makes it easy to confuse with 口臭, which is a specific type of bad smell from the mouth.
臭い is a general 'smell' or 'odor' (can be good or bad), 口臭 is specifically 'bad breath'.
いい匂い (ii nioi) - A good smell. / 嫌な匂い (iya na nioi) - An unpleasant smell.
匂う is the verb 'to smell'. People might incorrectly use it when trying to say 'to have bad breath' because of the association with 'smell' and 口臭.
匂う is a verb 'to smell', 口臭 is a noun 'bad breath'.
花が匂う (hana ga niou) - The flower smells (good). / 何か焦げた匂いがする (nanika kogeta nioi ga suru) - Something smells burnt.
This term is very similar to 口臭. 口臭症 specifically refers to the medical condition of having chronic bad breath, while 口臭 is the bad breath itself.
口臭症 is the 'condition of chronic bad breath', 口臭 is the 'bad breath' itself.
彼は口臭症で悩んでいる (kare wa kōshūshō de nayande iru) - He is suffering from halitosis (the condition).
Both 口臭 and 体臭 refer to bodily odors. However, 体臭 refers to general body odor, not specifically odor from the mouth.
体臭 is 'body odor' (general), 口臭 is 'bad breath' (mouth specific).
汗をかくと体臭が気になる (ase o kaku to taishū ga ki ni naru) - When I sweat, I worry about body odor.
Sentence Patterns
〜がひどい (~ga hidoi)
口臭がひどい。 (Kōshū ga hidoi.) - Bad breath is severe.
〜を気にする (~o ki ni suru)
口臭を気にしている。 (Kōshū o ki ni shite iru.) - (Someone) is concerned about bad breath.
〜の原因 (gen'in)
口臭の原因は何ですか？ (Kōshū no gen'in wa nan desu ka?) - What is the cause of bad breath?
〜に悩む (~ni nayamu)
口臭に悩んでいます。 (Kōshū ni nayande imasu.) - I am suffering from bad breath.
〜を指摘する (~o shiteki suru)
友達に口臭を指摘された。 (Tomodachi ni kōshū o shiteki sareta.) - My friend pointed out my bad breath.
〜を予防する (~o yobō suru)
口臭を予防するために歯を磨く。 (Kōshū o yobō suru tame ni ha o migaku.) - I brush my teeth to prevent bad breath.
〜がある (~ga aru)
彼は口臭がある。 (Kare wa kōshū ga aru.) - He has bad breath.
〜を防ぐ (~o fusegu)
口臭を防ぐ方法。 (Kōshū o fusegu hōhō.) - Methods to prevent bad breath.
How to Use It
口臭 (kōshū) refers to bad breath or an unpleasant odor coming from the mouth. It's a straightforward noun. You might hear it in a medical context, when talking about hygiene, or simply when someone mentions having bad breath.
A common mistake is trying to overcomplicate its usage. It literally means 'mouth smell' (口 = mouth, 臭 = smell). There isn't really a different nuance for 'bad' breath as the word itself implies it's unpleasant. Don't try to add an extra adjective like 悪い (warui - bad) to it, as in 悪い口臭. While grammatically understandable, it's redundant and not natural Japanese.
Tips
Learn the Kanji for 口臭
The kanji for 口臭 are 口 (kuchi, meaning mouth) and 臭 (nioi, meaning smell or odor). Knowing these individual kanji helps you remember the meaning of the combined word.
Use 口臭 in a simple sentence
Practice using 口臭 in a basic sentence, like: 私は口臭があります。 (Watashi wa kōshū ga arimasu.) - I have bad breath.
Associate with related words
Think of related concepts. For instance, 歯磨き (hamigaki, brushing teeth) or ガム (gamu, gum) can help you recall 口臭 in context.
Listen for 口臭 in media
Try to spot 口臭 in Japanese dramas, anime, or news. Hearing it in context helps with natural understanding and pronunciation. Pay attention to how native speakers use it.
Practice pronunciation of 口臭
The pronunciation is 'kōshū'. Pay attention to the long 'o' sound. Repeat it a few times to get comfortable with the sounds. This is important for being understood.
口臭 is a direct term
Be aware that 口臭 is a direct term. While it's important to know, directly telling someone they have 口臭 might be considered impolite in some situations. Consider cultural nuances of directness.
Japanese dental hygiene awareness
Japanese culture often places a high value on personal hygiene, including dental care. Understanding this can put the word 口臭 into a broader cultural context. Good oral hygiene is generally expected.
Create a flashcard for 口臭
Make a physical or digital flashcard with 口臭 on one side and 'bad breath' on the other. Include a small drawing or example sentence to aid memory. Flashcards are a proven method for vocabulary acquisition.
Consider synonyms or related phrases
For more advanced learners, explore phrases like 息が臭い (iki ga kusai - literally 'breath is stinky') which conveys a similar meaning but might be used in slightly different contexts. This adds nuance to your understanding.
Review 口臭 regularly
Like any vocabulary, consistent review is key. Incorporate 口臭 into your regular study routine to ensure it sticks in your long-term memory. Spaced repetition is a powerful tool for retention.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Visiting the dentist for a check-up.
- 口臭が気になります。(I'm concerned about my bad breath.)
- 口臭の原因は何ですか？(What is the cause of bad breath?)
- 口臭予防について教えてください。(Please tell me about bad breath prevention.)
Talking to a friend about personal hygiene.
- 最近、口臭がひどい気がする。(I feel like my bad breath has been terrible lately.)
- 口臭ケア、何かしてる？(Are you doing anything for bad breath care?)
- 口臭対策にいいものないかな？(Is there anything good for bad breath countermeasures?)
Reading an article about health and wellness.
- 口臭は胃の不調が原因のこともあります。(Bad breath can sometimes be caused by stomach upset.)
- 口臭予防には歯磨きが大切です。(Tooth brushing is important for bad breath prevention.)
- 口臭の悩み、専門医に相談しよう。(If you're worried about bad breath, consult a specialist.)
At a pharmacy looking for oral care products.
- 口臭に効く歯磨き粉はありますか？(Do you have toothpaste that works for bad breath?)
- 口臭予防のマウスウォッシュを探しています。(I'm looking for mouthwash for bad breath prevention.)
- この口臭スプレー、効果ありますか？(Is this bad breath spray effective?)
Discussing diet and its impact on health.
- ニンニクを食べると口臭がします。(Eating garlic causes bad breath.)
- 口臭対策として食後にキシリトールガムを噛みます。(As a measure against bad breath, I chew xylitol gum after meals.)
- コーヒーを飲むと口臭が強くなる気がする。(I feel like my bad breath gets stronger when I drink coffee.)
Conversation Starters
"最近、口臭が気になりますか？(Are you concerned about your bad breath lately?)"
"口臭予防のために何かしていますか？(Are you doing anything for bad breath prevention?)"
"口臭について、どんな経験がありますか？(What kind of experiences do you have regarding bad breath?)"
"口臭の原因として、何を思いつきますか？(What comes to mind as a cause of bad breath?)"
"もし友達の口臭が気になったら、どう伝えますか？(If you were concerned about a friend's bad breath, how would you tell them?)"
Journal Prompts
自分の口臭が気になった経験について書いてみましょう。(Write about an experience where you were concerned about your own bad breath.)
口臭予防のために、今日からできることを3つ考えてみましょう。(Think of three things you can start doing today for bad breath prevention.)
もし口臭がなくなったら、どんな良いことがあるか想像して書いてみましょう。(Imagine and write about what good things would happen if bad breath disappeared.)
口臭が社会生活に与える影響について、あなたの考えを書いてみましょう。(Write your thoughts on the impact of bad breath on social life.)
口臭に関するCMや広告について、どう思いますか？(What do you think about commercials and advertisements related to bad breath?)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThat's a great question! While you could say 悪い匂い (warui nioi) for a bad smell in general, 口臭 (kōshū) specifically refers to bad breath coming from a person's mouth. It's more precise when talking about oral hygiene.
This is a tricky one, as directly asking can be quite impolite in Japanese culture. Instead of asking directly, you might offer a mint or gum. If you absolutely need to address it with someone close, you could say something very gently like, 「ちょっと口の匂いが気になるかな？」 (Chotto kuchi no nioi ga ki ni naru kana?) - 'I'm a little concerned about the smell from your mouth, perhaps?' or 「もしかして、口臭が少しある？」 (Moshikashite, kōshū ga sukoshi aru?) - 'Perhaps you have a bit of bad breath?' but be prepared for potential embarrassment.
Yes, it can! While it's most commonly used for humans, you can certainly use 口臭 to describe bad breath in animals, especially pets. For example, 「犬の口臭がひどい。」 (Inu no kōshū ga hidoi.) - 'The dog's bad breath is terrible.'
Not really a common idiom in the way English might have. However, people might use phrases like 「口が臭い」 (kuchi ga kusai) - 'the mouth smells' which is a more direct and less formal way to say someone has bad breath. 口臭 is the more formal and medical term.
Culturally, while the biological causes are the same worldwide, there's a strong emphasis on cleanliness and avoiding bothering others. So, people are often quite conscious of things like garlic or onion after meals. Also, coffee or smoking are recognized as common culprits. The general understanding of causes aligns with Western knowledge, focusing on oral hygiene and diet.
Very similar to Western cultures! People often carry mints, gum, or breath fresheners. Brushing teeth after meals, especially at work or school, is also common. Many convenience stores and pharmacies sell a wide variety of breath products specifically for this reason. 歯磨き (hamigaki - brushing teeth) and マウスウォッシュ (mausuwosshu - mouthwash) are key.
No, you shouldn't. As we discussed, 口臭 (kōshū) is very specific to bad breath from the mouth. If you want to talk about a general bad smell, you'd use 悪臭 (akushū - foul odor) or 変な匂い (hen na nioi - strange smell).
That's a good way to remember it! 口 (kuchi) means 'mouth' and 臭 (nioi / shū) means 'smell' or 'odor.' So, literally, it means 'mouth smell,' making it quite easy to understand and remember its meaning as 'bad breath.'
Generally, yes, it can be considered rude or at least very uncomfortable to openly discuss someone else's 口臭, especially in a group setting or with someone you don't know well. It touches on personal hygiene and can cause significant embarrassment. Discretion and indirectness are usually preferred if it absolutely must be addressed.
While 口臭 is the general term, you might hear phrases that describe the situation. For 'morning breath,' people often just say 「朝の口臭」 (asa no kōshū) - 'morning bad breath' or more informally, 「朝起きたときの口の匂い」 (asa okita toki no kuchi no nioi) - 'the smell from the mouth when waking up in the morning.' There isn't a single, specific word like in English.
Test Yourself 78 questions
Which of these might help prevent 口臭 (kōshū)?
Brushing your teeth is a common way to prevent bad breath.
If someone has 口臭 (kōshū), what might be a polite thing to offer them?
Gum can help to freshen breath.
Which word means 'bad breath'?
口臭 (kōshū) directly translates to bad breath.
Eating a lot of garlic can cause 口臭 (kōshū).
Garlic is known to cause bad breath.
口臭 (kōshū) means you have a good smell from your mouth.
口臭 (kōshū) means bad breath, which is an unpleasant smell.
If you have 口臭 (kōshū), you should drink more water.
Drinking water can help to rinse away food particles and bacteria that cause bad breath.
This sentence means 'I am concerned about bad breath.' The subject '私は' (I) comes first, followed by '口臭が' (bad breath, as the object of concern), and then '気になる' (am concerned).
This sentence means 'It seems he has bad breath.' '彼は' (He) is the subject, '口臭が' (bad breath) is the thing he has, 'ある' (to have/exist) describes possession, and 'らしい' (it seems) indicates conjecture.
This sentence means 'That food causes bad breath.' 'その 食べ物は' (That food) is the subject, '口臭の' (of bad breath) modifies '原因' (cause), and 'になる' (becomes/causes) indicates the result.
歯を磨かないと、___がするよ。
Brushing your teeth prevents bad breath.
彼は___がひどいので、話すのが少し苦手です。
He has severe bad breath, so he's a bit uncomfortable talking.
にんにくを食べた後は、___を気にする人が多いです。
Many people are concerned about bad breath after eating garlic.
朝起きたら、まず___をチェックします。
When I wake up in the morning, I first check my breath.
ミントタブレットは___対策に良いです。
Mint tablets are good for bad breath prevention.
彼女は___が心配で、いつもガムを噛んでいます。
She's worried about bad breath, so she always chews gum.
He has bad breath.
What is the cause of bad breath?
Brushing your teeth can prevent bad breath.
Read this aloud:
口臭が気になります。
Focus: こうしゅう
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
朝は口臭がひどい。
Focus: ひどい
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
口臭スプレーを使います。
Focus: スプレー
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'He has terrible bad breath.'
This sentence means 'To be concerned about bad breath after eating.'
This sentence means 'Brushing your teeth is important for preventing bad breath.'
What happens if you don't brush your teeth?
Why does she always eat mints?
When does someone notice their own bad breath?
Read this aloud:
口臭予防のために、何をしていますか？
Focus: くちしゅうよぼう
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
友達の口臭が気になったら、どう伝えますか？
Focus: くちしゅうがきになったら
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
口臭の原因は何だと思いますか？
Focus: くちしゅうのげんいん
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'He has bad breath, so he is wearing a mask.' The natural order in Japanese is 'Subject + bad breath + because + mask + is wearing.'
This sentence means 'When I woke up in the morning, my breath was so bad that I was surprised.' The order is 'Time + woke up + bad breath + was severe + surprised.'
This sentence means 'It is said that drinking coffee makes bad breath stronger.' The order is 'Coffee + drinking + if + bad breath + becomes strong + it is said.'
Imagine you're talking to a friend who is worried about their bad breath. What advice would you give them in Japanese? Focus on practical solutions.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
口臭が気になるなら、まず丁寧に歯磨きをして、マウスウォッシュも使ってみるといいよ。もしそれでも続くなら、一度歯医者さんに診てもらうのが一番だよ。あまり気にしすぎないでね。
You are writing a short social media post about why good oral hygiene is important, mentioning bad breath as one reason. Write this post in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
毎日の口腔衛生は本当に大切！歯磨きをしっかりすることで、虫歯や歯周病だけでなく、口臭の予防にもなるんです。清潔な口元は、健康的な印象を与えますよね！
Describe a situation where someone might be particularly worried about having bad breath. For example, before a job interview or a date. Write a short paragraph in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
初めてのデートや重要な面接の前は、誰でも口臭がないか心配になるものです。相手に不快な思いをさせたくないという気持ちから、ついついエチケットとしてガムを噛んだり、マウススプレーを使ったりしますよね。
Aさんは何に悩んでいますか？
Read this passage:
A: ねえ、最近自分の口臭が気になるんだ。 B: そう？何か対策してる？ A: うーん、歯磨きはしてるんだけど、なかなか改善しないんだ。 B: それなら、一度歯科医に相談してみるのがいいかもしれないね。口臭の原因は様々だから。
Aさんは何に悩んでいますか？
Aさんは「自分の口臭が気になる」と言っています。
Aさんは「自分の口臭が気になる」と言っています。
この文章によると、口臭の主な原因として挙げられているのは何ですか？
Read this passage:
口臭は、口腔内の細菌が増殖することで発生することが多いです。特に、歯周病や虫歯がある場合、そのリスクは高まります。また、胃腸の不調や、特定の食べ物の摂取も口臭の原因となることがあります。定期的な歯科検診と適切なオーラルケアが重要です。
この文章によると、口臭の主な原因として挙げられているのは何ですか？
文章の冒頭に「口臭は、口腔内の細菌が増殖することで発生することが多いです」とあります。
文章の冒頭に「口臭は、口腔内の細菌が増殖することで発生することが多いです」とあります。
この人はなぜ会議の前に歯磨きをしたのですか？
Read this passage:
会議の前に、自分の口臭が気になって、急いでトイレに行って歯磨きをした。重要なプレゼンテーションを控えていたので、相手に不快な印象を与えたくなかったのだ。結局、プレゼンテーションは成功し、一安心した。
この人はなぜ会議の前に歯磨きをしたのですか？
「自分の口臭が気になって、急いでトイレに行って歯磨きをした」と書かれています。
「自分の口臭が気になって、急いでトイレに行って歯磨きをした」と書かれています。
会議中にAさんは何度か席を外していた。戻ってきたとき、周りの人は彼の口臭に気づいた。
口臭（こうしゅう）は「bad breath」を意味します。この文脈では、Aさんの口から不快な臭いがしたことを示しています。
彼女は朝起きてすぐに自分の口臭が気になったので、歯を磨いた。
口臭が気になった、という記述から、口の匂いを改善するために歯を磨いたと推測できます。
喫煙は口臭の原因の一つだと言われている。
口臭の原因の一つ、という記述から、喫煙が口の匂いを悪くすることが分かります。
口臭は、他の人との会話において問題を引き起こす可能性がある。
口臭は不快なため、他人とのコミュニケーションの妨げになることがあります。
口臭がある場合、水をたくさん飲むと悪化する。
水を飲むことは、口臭の予防や軽減に役立つことがあります。口の中が乾燥すると口臭が悪化する可能性があるため、水分補給は重要です。
歯磨きだけでは口臭を完全に防ぐことはできない場合もある。
歯磨きは口臭予防に非常に重要ですが、舌の汚れや内科的な問題など、歯磨きだけでは対処できない口臭の原因も存在します。
This sentence means 'Certain foods can cause bad breath.' The order places 'certain foods' as the agent, followed by 'by which' and then 'bad breath is caused' with 'there are cases where'.
This translates to 'Recently, my own bad breath bothers me a lot.' The natural order in Japanese is time, then the subject's possession, the subject itself, then the degree, and finally the verb.
This means 'You can prevent bad breath with regular brushing.' The structure starts with 'regular brushing' as the means, followed by 'bad breath' as the object, then 'to prevent' and 'can'.
会議中、彼の___が気になって話に集中できなかった。
The sentence describes difficulty concentrating due to an odor during a meeting. '口臭' (bad breath) fits the context of being noticeable and distracting in a close setting like a meeting. '体臭' (body odor), '足臭' (foot odor), and '汗臭' (smell of sweat) are less likely to be the primary distraction in this specific context.
朝起きてすぐ、自分の___に驚くことがある。
Upon waking up, it's common to notice one's own bad breath. '寝癖' (bed head), '寝言' (sleep talking), and '寝返り' (tossing and turning in sleep) are not odors.
ニンニクを食べた後は、___が強くなるので注意が必要だ。
Eating garlic is well-known to cause strong bad breath. Therefore, '口臭' (bad breath) is the appropriate word to complete the sentence.
彼女は人前で___を気にし、いつもミントガムを噛んでいる。
Chewing mint gum is a common action taken to mitigate bad breath. Thus, '口臭' (bad breath) fits the context of something one would be concerned about in public and try to manage with gum.
歯科医によると、___の原因は虫歯や歯周病である場合が多い。
Dental professionals (歯科医) typically address issues related to oral health. Bad breath (口臭) is a common symptom of dental problems like cavities (虫歯) and gum disease (歯周病). The other options are not directly related to dental issues.
面接前に___をチェックすることは、基本的なエチケットだ。
Before an interview, it's crucial to ensure good personal hygiene and presentability. Checking for bad breath (口臭) is a part of basic etiquette to make a good impression. The other options are not direct matters of personal etiquette for an interview.
Imagine you are a dentist explaining the common causes of 口臭 (kōshū) to a patient. Write a short explanation (3-4 sentences) focusing on diet and oral hygiene. Use formal Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
口臭の主な原因の一つに食生活が挙げられます。特に、ニンニクやニラなどの強い匂いの食品は、食べた後に口臭を引き起こしやすいです。また、不適切な口腔衛生、例えば歯磨きが不十分であると、食べかすが口の中に残り、それが細菌によって分解されることで口臭が発生します。これらの習慣を見直すことで、口臭は改善されることが多いです。
You are writing a personal blog post about a memorable (perhaps embarrassing) experience related to 口臭. Describe the situation and your feelings in 3-4 sentences. Use informal Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
先日、大事なプレゼンの前に自分の口臭が気になってしまって、すごく焦ったんだ。近くにいた同僚にどう思われてるか心配で、話すたびにドキドキしたよ。結局、プレゼンに集中できなくて、ちょっと散々な結果になっちゃった。それ以来、口臭ケアには気を遣うようになったな。
Write a formal email (3-4 sentences) to a colleague subtly suggesting they might want to address a persistent issue of 口臭. Focus on politeness and professionalism.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
いつもお仕事お疲れ様です。お忙しい日々かと思いますが、時折、お口のケアについて意識される機会もあるかもしれません。もしよろしければ、口腔ケア用品のご利用や、専門家へのご相談などもご検討いただけますと幸いです。皆様の健康を心より願っております。
この文章によると、最も一般的な口臭の原因は何ですか？
Read this passage:
口臭の原因は様々ですが、最も一般的なのは口腔内の細菌活動です。食べかすが口の中に残ると、それらを栄養源として細菌が増殖し、揮発性硫黄化合物（VSC）を生成します。これが不快な臭いの元となります。また、ドライマウスや特定の疾患も口臭を引き起こすことがあります。
この文章によると、最も一般的な口臭の原因は何ですか？
文章の冒頭で「最も一般的なのは口腔内の細菌活動です」と明確に述べられています。
文章の冒頭で「最も一般的なのは口腔内の細菌活動です」と明確に述べられています。
Aさんが会議中に発言を控えた主な理由は何ですか？
Read this passage:
会議中、Aさんは自分の口臭が気になり、発言を控えてしまった。彼は前夜にニンニク料理を食べたことを後悔し、ミントタブレットを探したが、鞄の中には見当たらなかった。この経験から、Aさんは常に携帯用のマウススプレーを持ち歩くようになった。
Aさんが会議中に発言を控えた主な理由は何ですか？
文章の最初の文で「Aさんは自分の口臭が気になり、発言を控えてしまった」と明記されています。
文章の最初の文で「Aさんは自分の口臭が気になり、発言を控えてしまった」と明記されています。
この文章で推奨されている口臭予防策として挙げられていないものはどれですか？
Read this passage:
口臭予防には、毎日の丁寧な歯磨きと舌クリーニングが不可欠です。フロスや歯間ブラシを使って歯間の食べかすを取り除くことも重要です。また、定期的な歯科検診を受けることで、早期に問題を発見し、適切な処置を受けることができます。十分な水分補給も口臭予防に役立ちます。
この文章で推奨されている口臭予防策として挙げられていないものはどれですか？
文章では歯磨き、舌クリーニング、フロス、歯間ブラシ、歯科検診、水分補給が挙げられていますが、香りの強いガムについては言及されていません。
文章では歯磨き、舌クリーニング、フロス、歯間ブラシ、歯科検診、水分補給が挙げられていますが、香りの強いガムについては言及されていません。
This sentence means 'He is concerned about his own bad breath.' '彼は' (He) is the subject, '自分の口臭' (his own bad breath) is the object, and '気にしています' (is concerned about) is the verb phrase.
This sentence means 'Brushing your teeth is effective for preventing bad breath.' '歯磨きは' (Brushing teeth) is the subject, '口臭予防に' (for bad breath prevention) is the purpose, and '効果的です' (is effective) is the predicate.
This sentence means 'What are the possible causes of bad breath?' '口臭の' (of bad breath), '考えられる' (possible), and '原因' (causes) form the noun phrase, followed by '何が' (what).
/ 78 correct
Perfect score!
Learn the Kanji for 口臭
The kanji for 口臭 are 口 (kuchi, meaning mouth) and 臭 (nioi, meaning smell or odor). Knowing these individual kanji helps you remember the meaning of the combined word.
Use 口臭 in a simple sentence
Practice using 口臭 in a basic sentence, like: 私は口臭があります。 (Watashi wa kōshū ga arimasu.) - I have bad breath.
Associate with related words
Think of related concepts. For instance, 歯磨き (hamigaki, brushing teeth) or ガム (gamu, gum) can help you recall 口臭 in context.
Listen for 口臭 in media
Try to spot 口臭 in Japanese dramas, anime, or news. Hearing it in context helps with natural understanding and pronunciation. Pay attention to how native speakers use it.
Example
口臭が気になる場合は、歯医者に相談しましょう。
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しばらく
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異変がある
B1To have an unusual change or abnormality.
異常な
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擦り傷
B1Scratch, graze, abrasion.
吸収する
B1To absorb.
禁酒
B1Abstinence from alcohol; the act of refraining from alcohol.
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鍼灸
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急性的
B1Acute.
急性な
B1Acute
