腐臭

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 腐臭(ふしゅう) means the smell of something rotting.
• Basic usage: It is used when describing where the smell comes from or looking for its source.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Not every unpleasant smell
  • 悪臭 broadly describes an unpleasant smell, whereas 腐臭 specifically points to the smell of decay.
• Strength of the smell
  • It can describe a faint smell, as in かすかな腐臭. 腐臭 itself does not always mean an extremely strong odor.