A whiff of Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈhwɪf/, /ˈwɪf/ /ˈəv

uh WHIF uhv

UK

æɪ/ /wˈɪf/ /ˈɒv

uh WIF ov

Definition

A small amount of a smell, or a slight sign or hint of something—can refer to both a literal scent or a subtle indication.

Usage & Nuances

Often used for literal smells ('a whiff of perfume'), but also for signs or hints ('a whiff of trouble'). Standard, slightly literary or descriptive; suggests only a faint or light amount. Not used for strong smells or obvious signs.

• Spanish: un soplo de - un aroma de - un indicio de
• Portuguese (BR): um cheiro de - um leve toque de - um indício de
• Portuguese (PT): um cheiro de - um leve toque de - um indício de
• Chinese (Simplified): 一丝（气味）- 一点点（迹象）- 一点（暗示）
• Chinese (Traditional): 一絲（氣味）- 一點點（跡象）- 一點（暗示）
• Hindi: हल्की खुशबू - थोड़ी सी झलक
• Arabic: رائحة خفيفة من - لمحة من
• Bengali: এক চিলতে গন্ধ - সামান্য আভাস
• Russian: дуновение (запаха) - намёк на
• Japanese: かすかな匂い - 気配
• Vietnamese: một chút mùi - chút dấu hiệu
• Korean: 약간의 냄새 - 기미
• Turkish: hafif bir koku - bir iz
• Urdu: ہلکی سی خوشبو - کچھ آثار
• Indonesian: sedikit aroma - sedikit tanda

Example Sentences

I caught a whiff of fresh bread from the kitchen.

basic

She wore a whiff of perfume for the party.

basic

There was a whiff of smoke in the air after the fire.

basic

I sensed a whiff of sarcasm in his voice.

natural

Even a whiff of scandal could ruin his career.

natural

You can't fool me—I caught a whiff of guilt there!

natural