sniffing
word · lemma: sniff
/ˈsnɪfɪŋ/
SNI-fing
/snˈɪfɪŋ/
SNI-fing
Definition
The act of breathing in through the nose to smell something or to check for odors; can also refer to searching or investigating, usually subtly.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used for animals (especially dogs) or people checking smells. In informal contexts, 'sniffing around' means investigating or being nosy. Do not confuse with 'smelling' (which is more neutral); 'sniffing' suggests active effort or suspicion.
Spanish: oler (fuertemente) - husmearPortuguese (BR): farejar - fungarPortuguese (PT): farejar - fungarChinese (Simplified): 闻 - 嗅Chinese (Traditional): 聞 - 嗅Hindi: सूंघनाArabic: يشم - يتشممBengali: শোঁকা - শুঁকা (তদন্ত করা অর্থে)Russian: нюхание - вынюхивание (разыскивать)Japanese: 嗅ぐこと - 嗅ぎ回る（探る）Vietnamese: ngửi - dò xét (đi tìm hiểu)Korean: 냄새 맡기 - 냄새를 맡아보다 (조사하다)Turkish: koklama - burnunu sokma (araştırmak)Urdu: سونگھنا - جانچنا (کھوج لگانا)Indonesian: mengendus - menyelidiki (secara diam-diam)
Example Sentences
I heard sniffing outside my door.
basic
The dog is sniffing the grass.
basic
She kept sniffing because she had a cold.
basic
He was sniffing around trying to find out what happened.
natural
She walked in, sniffing the air for the scent of fresh bread.
natural
"Stop sniffing the food and just eat it!"
natural