expression, godan verb (-ku)
smell incense; appreciate incense
Traditional expression used in the context of kōdō (the art of appreciating incense). The verb 聞く (to listen) is used instead of 嗅ぐ (to smell) to convey a deeper, more refined sensory appreciation.
See also: 聞く
香道では、香を聞くという表現を使います。
In the art of incense appreciation, we use the expression 'to listen to incense'.
彼は静かに座って香を聞いていた。
He sat quietly, appreciating the incense.