匂わす・臭わす|におわすniowasu[3]nakadaka (mid-high)

Which spelling to use
匂わす匂わす is the most common written form of this verb and the recommended choice for beginners; use it for meanings such as giving off a scent or hinting at something.
臭わす臭わす is a less common written variant of the same verb; you may encounter it, but beginners should normally choose 匂わす instead.
Definitions
  1. godan verb, transitive verbto give off (a smell, scent, aroma); to smell of; to perfume (a room, etc.)臭わす only used for unpleasant odours
  2. godan verb, transitive verbto hint at; to suggest; to insinuate
    彼女かのじょはその本ほんの中なかで自分じぶんの職業しょくぎょうをにおわすようなことはかいていない。↗
    She makes no allusion in the book to her profession.
Conjugation
Dictionary form匂わす(におわす)
Polite (masu)匂わします(におわします)
Negative (nai)匂わさない(におわさない)
polite (masen)匂わしません(におわしません)
classical zu / nu匂わさず・匂わさぬ(におわさず・におわさぬ)
Past (ta)匂わした(におわした)
polite (mashita)匂わしました(におわしました)
Past negative (nakatta)匂わさなかった(におわさなかった)
polite (masen deshita)匂わしませんでした(におわしませんでした)
Te form匂わして(におわして)
Potential匂わせる(におわせる)
Passive匂わされる(におわされる)
Causative匂わさせる(におわさせる)
Causative passive匂わさせられる(におわさせられる)
Conditional (ba)匂わせば(におわせば)
tara匂わしたら(におわしたら)
Volitional匂わそう(におわそう)
polite (mashou)匂わしましょう(におわしましょう)
Imperative匂わせ(におわせ)

Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.

Transitive / intransitive pair
transitive匂わすにおわす⇄intransitive匂うにおう
秘密ひみつを匂におわす
匂う describes a scent or hint that naturally emanates from the subject, while 匂わす describes someone or something actively giving off a scent or hint.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese definitions
  1. ある香かおりや臭においを放はなつ。香かおりがする。
  2. はっきりと述のべずに、そのことを暗あんに示しめす。ほのめかす。
Kanji in this word
See also

Say it right, write it right

Core lookup works fully offline, with cloud pronunciation and one-tap save & review. Free, no sign-up.

Free downloadWindowsFree downloadmacOSDownload on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
MobileiOS / Android

Android

QR code for the Google Play pageGet it on Google Play

Scan it with your Android phone to install, or search for “Tomoshi” on Google Play.

iOS

QR code for the App Store pageDownload on the App Store

Scan it with your iPhone camera to install, or search for “Tomoshi” in the App Store.

Install the browser extensionLook words up on any web page · Chrome / Edge / Safari

Screenshot of a Tomoshi lookup resultScreenshot of Tomoshi lookup results on a phone

Windows macOS Chrome / Edge / Safari extension iOS / Android