Usankusai (胡散臭い - Doubtful)

Usankusai

Yesterday, I introduced you to the Japanese term 'kinakusai' (きな臭い), which means that something is suspicious.

There is another term 'usankusai' (胡散臭い), which has a similar meaning to 'kinakusai'.

'Usan' (胡散) means that something is suspicious, and 'kusai' (臭い) is a prefix that has the meaning of "seem like" and a negative nuance.

As I mentioned yesterday, 'kinakusai' implies that something bad (such as a fire) is about to occur.

On the other hand, 'usankusai' is often used to mean that something seems like somewhat suspicious/doubtful.

胡散臭い

昨日は何かが疑わしいことを意味する「きな臭い」という言葉を紹介しました。

「きな臭い」とよく似た言葉に「胡散臭い」があります。

「胡散」は何かが怪しいことを意味する言葉で、「臭い」は「～らしい」の意味（特にマイナスのイメージ）を持つ接尾辞です。

「きな臭い」は昨日話したとおり、火事など何か悪い出来事が起こりそうなことを暗に意味します。

一方で「胡散臭い」は、何かが「何となく疑わしい」程度のことを意味する際によく使われます。

• 'Usan' (胡散) means that something is suspicious, and 'kusai' (臭い) is a prefix that has the meaning of "seem like" and a negative nuance.
• 'Usan' (胡散) means that something is suspicious, and 'kusai' (臭い) is a prefix that has the meaning of "seems like" and a negative nuance.

• As I mentioned yesterday, 'kinakusai' implies that something bad (such as a fire) is about to occur.
• This sentence is perfect! No correction needed!

• On the other hand, 'usankusai' is often used to mean that something seems like somewhat suspicious/doubtful.
• On the other hand, 'usankusai' is often used to mean that something seems (like/ somewhat) suspicious/doubtful.

うさんくさい！ I have heard that one before. It's commonly used, right?

Toruさん、all your entries are very helpful and interesting. Thank you!!