mùi
[muj˨˩]
The English word 'smell' is translated into Vietnamese as mùi or hơi.
Meaning: sensation (noun)
Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| mùi | [muj˨˩] (Hà Nội, narrow) [muj˦˩] (Huế, narrow) |
| hơi | [həːj˧˧] (Hà Nội, narrow) [həːj˧˧] (Huế, narrow) |
The word mùi is used to refer to a sensation. If you want to use a verb to describe the act of sensing something with your nose, use ngửi or use the phrase có mùi to state that something has a particular smell, whether that smell is pleasant or unpleasant.
Which one should you use?
While mùi is the standard way to refer to a smell, the word hơi can also be used. For a more specialized and formal sense, the word hương is used specifically to refer to a fragrance or an aroma.
Related words
Did you know?
- When referring to the 'smell' of a person's character or aura, Vietnamese speakers use mùi in metaphorical idioms to describe an intuitive feeling about someone.
- The word hơi can function as an adverb meaning 'slightly'. This is because a 'breath' of something is a small amount.
- In Vietnamese, calling someone's scent mùi without an adjective often implies a bad smell. To describe a pleasant scent, speakers almost always add a positive modifier.
Examples in context
- Nó có mùi nồng.It has a strong smell.This sentence uses mùi to describe a strong sensation.Tatoeba #13896349 by leucammieuvu, translation #13895268 by frpzzd
- Quả xoài có mùi gì?What does mango smell like?This sentence uses mùi to ask about the scent of a mango.Tatoeba #13896245 by leucammieuvu, translation #13895270 by frpzzd
- Tôi có mùi thật tệ.I smell terrible.This sentence uses mùi to express that one smells bad.Tatoeba #14034890 by nhuttan2004, translation #14012336 by rul
- Hoa cúc có một hương thơm dễ chịu.Chrysanthemum flowers have a pleasant fragrance.
- Cái nước hoa này có một mùi hương rất độc đáo.This perfume has a very unique smell.
- Một cốc cà phê nóng có một mùi thơm tuyệt vời.A hot cup of coffee has a fantastic smell.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minh and Mai are in the kitchen.
- MinhMai ơi, mùi gì mà thơm thế?Mai, what is that smell? It smells so good!
- MaiEm đang nướng bánh cho anh đấy.I am baking a cake for you.
- MinhAnh thích mùi bánh nướng này lắm.I love this smell of baked cakes.
- MaiĐợi một chút nữa là xong rồi.Wait a little longer and it will be finished.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “smell” translations and entries mùi, hơi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
