Learn Swedish: Det doftar väl kaffe här? - It smells like coffee here, right?

Adding the word väl often turns a normal statement into a question that asks for confirmation. Because it is structurally just a statement with a question mark at the end, the subject (det) still comes before the verb (doftar).

How does väl translate to 'right' in this sentence?

As a standalone word, väl usually means 'well'. But when tucked inside a sentence like this, it acts as a little tag to show the speaker expects the listener to agree. It works just like adding 'right?', 'isn't it?', or 'surely' in English.

Could I use luktar instead of doftar here?

Yes, but there is a difference in tone. Luktar is the general word for 'smells' and can be used for both good and bad odors. Doftar specifically means 'smells good' or 'is fragrant'. Using doftar shows you really enjoy the smell of the coffee!

The translation says 'smells like coffee'. Why is there no word for 'like' in the Swedish sentence?

In Swedish, sense verbs such as luktar, doftar, and smakar (tastes) connect directly to the noun without needing a preposition. You just say doftar kaffe (literally: smells coffee) rather than adding a word like som.