Smell Meaning in English
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
I smell flowers in the garden.
basic
What is that smell in the kitchen?
basic
Some perfumes smell sweet.
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