生臭い

• Reading: なまぐさい
• Romaji: namagusai
• Kanji breakdown: 生 (nama) — raw; 臭 (kusa) — smell, odour
• Pronunciation: /na.ma.ɡɯ.sa.i/

Meaning

Fishy; smelling of raw meat or fish. Also used metaphorically to describe a Buddhist priest who indulges in worldly desires, or a situation with corrupt, unseemly undertones.

An i-adjective combining 生 (nama, raw) and 臭い (kusai, stinking). In its literal sense it describes the unpleasant odour of raw seafood or meat. Metaphorically, 生臭い坊主 (a worldly priest) refers to a monk who breaks monastic vows by indulging in drinking or other earthly pleasures. It also describes shady dealings: 生臭い話 (a fishy/dodgy story).

Examples

1. 市場に近づくにつれて生臭い匂いが漂ってきた。 As we got closer to the market, the fishy smell grew stronger.
2. その寺の住職は生臭いと評判で、信者から距離を置かれていた。 The head priest of that temple had a reputation for being worldly, and the worshippers kept their distance.
3. 政治の世界は生臭い取引が多くて、純粋な理想論だけでは通用しない。 The world of politics is full of shady backroom deals, and pure idealism alone won't get you far.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday life, religious criticism, political commentary

Tone: negative

Origin & History

From 生 (nama, raw) + 臭い (kusai, stinking/smelling). The raw smell of uncooked protein became the metaphorical base for describing moral uncleanliness or worldly corruption.

Cultural Context

Era: Pre-modern–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal