GRAMMAR DETAIL
がする
Expresses a sensory impression such as a sound, smell, or taste.
Examples
台所からいい匂いがする。
A pleasant smell is coming from the kitchen.
Words used
遠くから子どもの笑い声がする。
I can hear children laughing in the distance.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Add
がするto a sensory noun such as a sound, smell, or taste to express a perceived impression. - Basic usage:
台所からいい匂いがする。describes a pleasant smell coming from the kitchen.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- A sensory impression and deliberate action
いい匂いがするdescribes a smell being perceived, while匂いをかぐdescribes the act of smelling. Do not interpretするinがするas a deliberate action.
- What is sensed and its source
- In
遠くから笑い声がする,がmarks the laughter being heard andからmarks its source. Even if an English translation makes a listener the subject, the Japanese particles retain these roles.
- In