smell
word
/ˈsmɛɫ/
smel
/smˈɛl/
smel
Definition
To detect something using your nose, or the odor that something produces. It can be both a verb (to sense odors) or a noun (the odor itself).
Usage & Nuances
'Smell' as a verb is neutral; as a noun, it can be positive or negative based on context ('nice smell', 'bad smell'). Often used in senses: 'smell good/bad', 'smell like (something)'. Do not confuse with 'sniff' (to inhale through nose repeatedly).
Spanish: olor - olerPortuguese (BR): cheiro - cheirarPortuguese (PT): cheiro - cheirarChinese (Simplified): 气味 - 闻Chinese (Traditional): 氣味 - 聞Hindi: गंध - सूँघनाArabic: رائحة - يشمBengali: গন্ধ - ঘ্রাণ (noun) - গন্ধ পাওয়া (verb)Russian: запах (noun) - пахнуть (verb) - чувствовать запах (verb)Japanese: 匂い (noun) - 匂う (verb)Vietnamese: mùi (noun) - ngửi (verb)Korean: 냄새 (noun) - 냄새 맡다 (verb)Turkish: koku (noun) - koklamak (verb) - kokmak (verb)Urdu: بو (اسم) - سونگھنا (فعل)Indonesian: bau (noun) - mencium (verb)
Example Sentences
Some perfumes smell sweet.
basic
I smell flowers in the garden.
basic
What is that smell in the kitchen?
basic
My shoes smell terrible after running.
natural
Can you smell the coffee? It’s fresh!
natural
There’s a weird smell in here—it might be the trash.
natural