بو
bu/ˈboː/
The English word scent translates to Persian as بو (bu).
بو is a neutral term for a distinctive odour or smell. While it can refer to any scent, you can use the colloquial expression بوی خوب to specifically refer to a good smell. If you need to describe something that is bad-smelling or malodorous, the adjective بدبو is commonly used.
Meaning: distinctive odour or smell (noun)
Which one should you use?
بو is a neutral word for a smell, but it can be contrasted with more specific terms: use رایحه (rāyeye) for a formal and positive term meaning aroma or fragrance and use تعفن (ta'affon) for a formal way to describe a specific stench or foul odor. Additionally, if you want to describe a smell as good in a colloquial way, you can say بوی خوب.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as /ˈboː/ (bu).
Did you know?
- In Persian, the word بو can be used to describe a 'vibe' or a 'hint' of something. For example, saying something 'smells' like a certain outcome is a common way to describe a premonition.
- The word بو is a distant relative of the English word 'bud' in the sense of 'awakening'. Both trace back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to be awake' or 'perceive fully'.
- The Persian word بو was borrowed into Old Armenian as բոյր (boyr). This shows the deep historical influence of Iranian languages on the vocabulary of neighboring Caucasian cultures.
Examples in context
- بوی مشک یکی از بهترین رایحههای موجود است.The scent of musk is one of the best smells there is.This sentence is useful for expressing how the بو of musk is a great scent.Tatoeba #12613251 by cojiluc, translation #706914 by papabear
- میوههای تازه دارای بوی خوبی هستند.Fresh fruits have a good scent.
- این عطر خیلی خوشبو است.This perfume is very fragrant.
- این گل بوی خیلی خوبی دارد.in gol bu-ye kheyli khubi dārad.This flower has a very good scent.
- من بوی قهوه را حس میکنم.man bu-ye qahve rā hes mikonam.I smell the scent of coffee.
Example conversation
Reza and Maryam are walking through a garden.
- رضا Rezaمریم، بوی این گلها را حس میکنی؟Maryam, bu-ye in gol-hā rā hes mikoni?Marym, do you smell the scent of these flowers?
- مریم Maryamبله، بوی خیلی دلپذیری دارند.Bale, bu-ye kheyli delpaziri dārand.Yes, they have a very pleasant scent.
- رضا Rezaواقعاً بوی طبیعت را میدهند.Vāqe'an bu-ye tabiat rā midahand.They really smell like nature.
- مریم Maryamخیلی خوشبو هستند.Kheyli khoshbu hastand.They are very fragrant.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry بو, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries بو, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
