薫 — “Send Forth Fragrance / Fragrant / Be Scented / Smoke (tobacco)” in Japanese

Master (高手)くん, かお

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“Send Forth Fragrance / Fragrant / Be Scented / Smoke (tobacco)” in Japanese is 薫, read kun, kao (くん, かお). It is a Jōyō kanji taught in Japanese secondary school (junior & senior high) — the 高手 · Master tier beyond the grade 1–6 Kyōiku set, and appears in words such as 薫製 (smoked food).

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What does 薫 mean?

Full details, readings & example

Kanji	薫
Meaning	Send Forth Fragrance / Fragrant / Be Scented / Smoke (tobacco)
Readings	くん, かお
Grade	Master (高手 · secondary school)
Curriculum	Jōyō kanji · Japanese secondary school (JLPT N1–N2)
Example	薫製 (smoked food)

How to read 薫

薫 is read kun (くん) or kao (かお) depending on the word.

Words with 薫

薫製

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Kanji read the same way as 薫

Same sound, different character — the classic trap. Compare them side by side:

Updated: 2026-08-28