Meaning and Usage
"气味" primarily refers to a smell or odor, which can be pleasant or unpleasant. It is commonly used to describe physical scents in the environment, such as flowers, food, or rooms. Beyond the literal sense, "气味" can also metaphorically describe an intangible 'flavor' or 'atmosphere' in speech or behavior, such as suspicion or hostility.
Common Collocations
- "气味浓烈" (strong odor): used when a smell is very intense.
- "气味扑鼻" (fragrant smell): often describes a pleasant and strong scent.
- "带有气味" (carry a smell): used to indicate something has a particular odor.
Usage Notes
"气味" is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. When describing smells, it often pairs with adjectives indicating intensity or quality. The metaphorical use is more literary or formal and less common in casual speech.
Avoiding Confusion
Do not confuse "气味" with "味道" (wèidào), which often refers to taste or flavor but can also mean smell. "气味" focuses more on the smell aspect, while "味道" can be broader, including taste and sometimes smell.