1.
strange smell; foul odor; stench
An unusual or unpleasant smell that is out of the ordinary. Often used to report suspicious or alarming odors, such as gas leaks, chemical spills, or decomposition.
部屋から異臭がする。
There is a strange smell coming from the room.
異臭に気づいた住民が警察に通報した。
A resident who noticed the strange smell called the police.
工場から異臭が漂い、周辺の住民から苦情が相次いだ。
A foul odor drifted from the factory, and complaints poured in from surrounding residents.
USAGE:
異臭 is commonly found in news reports and official communications. The most typical pattern is 異臭がする (there is a strange smell).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 異臭がする (there is a strange smell)
- 異臭を放つ (to emit a foul odor)
- 異臭が漂う (a stench wafts/drifts)
- 異臭騒ぎ (commotion over a strange smell)
NUANCE:
Unlike 臭い, which can be neutral (any smell), 異臭 always implies something abnormal and usually unpleasant. It often signals danger or something requiring investigation.