Meaning

Primary

Aromatic

Alternatives

Fragrant, Sweet-Smelling

Word Type

い adjective

Explanation

This is a single kanji with an on the end, meaning you know it's probably an adjective. The kanji is aromatic, so this also means aromatic or fragrant.

芳しい is a formal word, often used in writing to describe sweet-smelling flowers, tea, or incense. In a figurative sense it can mean "favorable," too, but this meaning mostly appears in the negative form 芳しくない (unfavorable, poorly received).

Reading

かんばしい
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun'yomi reading. You didn't learn this reading yet, so here's a mnemonic to help you:

If you want to smell an aromatic fragrance, just open some potpourri. But be careful if it's a can. Fragrant cans will baa (かんば) like a sheep at you when you open them. That can baa is just a sweet smell side effect.

Context

Context Sentences

この季節は、梅の香りがとても芳しいですね。

The plums' aroma is really fragrant during this season.

Kanji Composition