profumi
The English phrase "scents" is translated into Italian as profumi.
profumi is used for both pleasant smells (scents) and commercial fragrances (perfumes). The word odore is the most general term for "scent" or "odor" in Italian. Aromi is used to describe aromatic scents, such as those found in cooking or baking. The term bouquet is commonly used in Italian to describe the scent of wine. Profumo specifically refers to "perfume" or "fragrance."
Which one should you use?
While profumi can mean "scents", it is also the standard word for "perfumes" in Italian.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the plural profumi is profumo.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word profumo is derived from the Latin pro meaning 'for' and fumus meaning 'smoke'. It literally refers to the ancient practice of burning incense to create a scent.
- Italian distinguishes between profumo for a pleasant scent and puzza for a bad smell. While English uses 'smell' for both, Italian almost always uses these distinct words to avoid ambiguity.
- While profumo is used for pleasant scents, calling someone's scent a profumo is a high compliment, whereas using odore can sometimes imply a smell that is unpleasant or suspicious.
Examples in context
- I profumi forti possono evocare dolci ricordi.Strong scents can evoke sweet memories.This example shows how to use profumi when discussing strong scents and memories.Tatoeba #13208417 by Nuel, translation #13208416 by Nuel
- I profumi familiari del panificio aleggiano nell'aria, evocando ricordi.The familiar scents from the bakery linger in the air, bringing back memories.This example shows how to use profumi when describing familiar scents in the air.Tatoeba #13483504 by Nuel, translation #13483503 by Nuel
- Mi piace l'odore dei fioriI like the scent of flowers
- Il suo profumo è deliziosoHer perfume is delightful
- Aromi italianiItalian flavors
- Gli aromi invadono la cucinaThe scents fill the kitchen
- Il bouquet di questo vino è eccezionaleThe scent of this wine is exceptional
- Mi piace l'aroma del suo bouquetI like the aroma of its bouquet
- La fragranza dei fiori primaverili riempie l'ariaThe fragrance of spring flowers fills the air
- Il profumo della buccia di limoneThe scent of lemon zest
- La buccia d'arancia ha un odore meravigliosoOrange peel has a wonderful smell
- I profumi dei fiori sono meravigliosi.The scents of the flowers are wonderful.
Example conversation
Chiara and Alessandro are walking through a botanical garden.
- ChiaraSenti questi profumi nell'aria?Do you smell these scents in the air?
- AlessandroSì, sono incredibili, Chiara.Yes, they are incredible, Chiara.
- ChiaraMi piacciono molto i profumi della primavera.I really like the scents of spring.
- AlessandroAnche a me, sono molto rilassanti.Me too, they are very relaxing.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
