線香

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 線香 is read as せんこう and is a noun for a slender stick of incense that is lit to release fragrance.
• Basic usage: Use 線香を供える for the incense stick itself and 線香の香り for the scent it releases.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Difference from fragrance generally
  • 香り means a scent, whereas 線香 is the concrete incense stick often used at an altar or memorial.
• Offering and sensory source
  • With 供える it is an offered object; with 香りが漂う it is the source of a perceived fragrance.