がする
To give off, Smell, Sound, Taste, Sensation
Structure
Explanation
When expressing information from the senses in Japanese (excluding sight), the approach is quite different from English. Instead of using distinct verbs for each sense, like 'to smell of A' or 'to taste like B', Japanese frequently uses a more standard grammatical pattern.
The grammar pattern がする is used to state that a particular smell, sound, taste, or feeling is being perceived. It treats the sensory experience itself as the subject, indicating that it is actively occurring or being emitted from a source. To form this, simply add がする after the noun that identifies the sensation.
- 台所からカレーのいい匂いがする。There's a nice smell of curry coming from the kitchen. (Literally, 'a good smell of curry is being made')
- 隣の部屋から赤ちゃんの泣き声がする。I can hear a baby crying from the next room. (Literally, 'the sound of a baby crying is happening')
- この薬はレモンの味がする。This medicine tastes like lemon. (Literally, 'this medicine gives off a lemon taste')
- なんだか寒気がする。風邪かもしれない。I'm feeling a bit chilly for some reason. I might have a cold. (Literally, 'a chill is happening')
Fun Fact
The character 気, which means 'feeling' or 'sensation', is often combined with this grammar pattern. The resulting phrase, ～気がする, is a very common way to express a hunch, an inkling, or a general feeling about something.
- あの人、前にどこかで会った気がする。I have a feeling I've met that person somewhere before. (Literally, 'the sensation that I've met that person before is occurring')
- これは絶対にうまくいく気がする。I have a feeling this will definitely go well. (Literally, 'the sensation that this will absolutely go well is occurring')
Examples
隣の部屋から話し声がする。
I can hear voices from the next room.
このシャンプーは花のようないい香りがします。
This shampoo has a nice, flower-like scent.
このリンゴはレモンのような酸っぱい味がします。
This apple has a sour taste, like a lemon.
胸騒ぎがするので、彼に電話してみます。
I have a bad feeling, so I'll try calling him.
少し焦げたから、煙の味がする。
It's a little burnt, so it has a smoky taste.
昨日の夜、外で変な鳴き声がした。
Last night, a strange cry could be heard from outside.
誰かがカレーを作っている匂いがする。
I can smell someone making curry.
外で工事しているでしょう。うるさい音がします。
They must be doing construction outside. It's making a loud noise.
このスープは辛い味がするから、水をください。
This soup has a spicy taste, so please give me some water.
ゴミ箱からひどい匂いがするので、早く捨てましょう。
A terrible smell is coming from the trash can, so let's take it out quickly.
なんだか寒気がする。風邪をひいたかもしれない。
For some reason, I feel a bit chilly. I might have caught a cold.
大きな物音がしたから、猫がびっくりして逃げた。
There was a loud crash, so the cat got scared and ran away.