香気(こうき)

こうき
noun
fragrance; aroma; pleasant scent
1. fragrance; aroma; pleasant scent
An elevated, literary term for a pleasant, noticeable fragrance. Often used to describe the aroma of flowers, tea, wine, or food in refined or written contexts.
花(はな)の香気(こうき)が漂(ただよ)う。
The fragrance of flowers drifts through the air.
このワインは豊(ゆた)かな香気(こうき)を放(はな)っている。
This wine gives off a rich aroma.
茶室(ちゃしつ)に入(はい)ると、抹茶(まっちゃ)の香気(こうき)が部屋(へや)全体(ぜんたい)に満(み)ちていた。
Upon entering the tea room, the aroma of matcha filled the entire space.

A literary compound of 香(こう) (fragrance) + 気(き) (air/spirit). More elevated than everyday words for smell; primarily found in written language and formal descriptions.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 香気(こうき)が漂(ただよ)う: fragrance drifts/wafts
  • 香気(こうき)を放(はな)つ: to give off fragrance
  • 芳醇(ほうじゅん)な香気(こうき): a mellow, rich aroma
  • 香気(こうき)に満(み)ちる: to be filled with fragrance

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 香(かお)り: scent, fragrance — the most common everyday word for pleasant smell
  • 芳香(ほうこう): sweet fragrance — literary, similar level of formality
  • 匂(にお)い: smell, scent — neutral; can be pleasant or unpleasant
  • アロマ: aroma — modern loanword, especially for aromatherapy
general
Added 2026.4.9 2:29
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