芳香(ほうこう)

ほうこう
noun
fragrance, sweet aroma
formalwrittenliterary
1. fragrance, sweet aroma, pleasant scent
A pleasant, sweet smell. A literary and somewhat formal word for fragrance, often used for flowers, herbs, teas, and perfumes.
バラの芳香(ほうこう)が漂(ただよ)っている。
The fragrance of roses is drifting in the air.
ラベンダーの芳香(ほうこう)にはリラックス効果(こうか)がある。
The fragrance of lavender has a relaxing effect.
茶葉(ちゃば)を入(い)れた瞬間(しゅんかん)、芳香(ほうこう)が部屋(へや)いっぱいに広(ひろ)がった。
The moment the tea leaves were steeped, a sweet aroma filled the room.

Usage

芳香(ほうこう) is more literary and elegant than 香(かお)り (the everyday word for fragrance/scent) or 匂(にお)い (smell, which can be positive or negative). Use 芳香(ほうこう) when describing pleasant aromas in writing or formal speech.

The compound 芳香(ほうこう)剤(ざい) (air freshener, fragrance product) is common in everyday life.

Note the many homophones: 方向(ほうこう) (direction), 咆哮(ほうこう) (roar), 奉公(ほうこう) (service). Context makes the meaning clear.

Common collocations

  • 芳香(ほうこう)が漂(ただよ)う: fragrance drifts/wafts
  • 芳香(ほうこう)剤(ざい): air freshener
  • 芳香(ほうこう)族(ぞく): aromatic (chemistry)
  • 芳香(ほうこう)を放(はな)つ: to give off a fragrance

Related Words

Synonym: 香(かお)り (fragrance, scent (everyday))
Related: 芳醇(ほうじゅん) (mellow)
Compare: 脱臭(だっしゅう) (deodorization)
Compare: 消臭(しょうしゅう) (deodorizing)
Compare: 香気(こうき) (fragrance)
general
Added 2026.2.27 16:52 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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