hniav
/n̥iə̯˧˦/
The Hmong word for the sensation of smell is hniav.
hniav is used as a noun to refer to the sensation or sense of smell.
Meaning: sensation (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/n̥iə̯˧˦/
Did you know?
- The word hniav descends from a Proto-Hmong-Mien root meaning 'tooth'.
- Because Hmong is a tonal language, changing the pitch of hniav can completely change its meaning to a word unrelated to smell.
Examples in context
- Lub hniav ntawm daim paj no zoo heev.The smell of this flower is very good.
Example conversation
Tou and Yia are in the kitchen.
- TouYia, koj tshuaj lub hniav no yog dab tsi?Yia, what is this smell from your medicine?
- YiaNws yog tshuaj tiv thaum hno.It is medicine for the cold.
- TouLub hniav tsis zoo ntxiv li.The smell is not good at all.
- YiaUa tsaug Tou, kuv yuav muab nws tseg.Thanks Tou, I will put it away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry hniav, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hniav, CC BY-SA 4.0.
