духи́
duxímasculine, plural
The Russian word for perfume is духи́ (duxí). Wiktionary also lists парфю́м (parfjúm).
Meaning: substance providing a pleasant smell (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| духи́ | duxí | masculine, plural |
| парфю́м | parfjúm | colloquial, masculine |
The term refers to a substance that provides a pleasant smell.
Which one should you use?
духи́ is the standard term used for perfume, whereas парфю́м is a colloquial alternative.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
парфю́м is used in colloquial speech.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
duxí
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the word дух, as this means 'spirit' or 'breath' rather than 'perfume'.
Did you know?
- The word духи́ is the plural form of дух, meaning 'spirit'. In old beliefs, pleasant scents were thought to be the physical manifestation of spirits.
- In the Soviet era, одеколон became a cultural staple for men, often used not just for scent but as a cheap aftershave or skin tonic.
- While духи́ is grammatically plural, it is used as a collective noun to refer to a single bottle of perfume.
Examples in context
- Я выбираю новый парфюм для свадебной церемонии.I am choosing a new perfume for the wedding ceremony.
- Эти духи́ очень дорогие.Eti dukhi ochen' dorogie.These perfumes are very expensive.
- Мне нравятся твои духи́.Mne nravyat'sya tvoi dukhi.I like your perfume.
- Где мои новые духи́?Gde moi novye dukhi?Where is my new perfume?
Example conversation
Sergey and Maria are at a shopping mall.
- Сергей SergeyМария, посмотри на эти духи́.Mariya, posmotri na eti dukhi.Maria, look at these perfumes.
- Мария MariaОни пахнут очень приятно.Oni pakhnut ochen' priyatno.They smell very pleasant.
- Сергей SergeyТы хочешь их купить?Ty khochesh' ikh kupit'?Do you want to buy them?
- Мария MariaДа, давай купим их.Da, davay kupim ikh.Yes, let's buy them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “perfume” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
