bau
[ˈbau̯]
The Indonesian word for smelly is bau.
The word bau can be used to describe both a bad smell and a neutral smell, though in common usage it often implies a bad odor.
Meaning: having a bad smell (adj)
Which one should you use?
While bau means smelly, bau busuk is used to describe a much stronger, more disgusting smell of decay or rot.
Did you know?
- While bau describes a scent, the phrase bau kencur is a common idiom used to describe someone who is naive or a complete beginner.
- In some contexts, bau is used to describe someone who has a 'scent' of a certain background, such as bau Jakarta to describe someone who acts like a city dweller.
- The word bau is a direct descendant of Classical Malay, making it one of the oldest recognizable terms in the language.
Examples in context
- Maaf, tetapi ruangan ini memiliki bau yang tidak menyenangkan.I'm sorry, but this room has an unpleasant smell.
- Waduh, bau busuk sekali di sini!Oh no, it smells so bad here!
- Jangan buang angin di sini, nanti semuanya akan mencium bau tak sedap.Don't release gas here, everyone will smell the bad odor.
- Sampah itu sangat bau.That garbage is very smelly.
- Kaus kaki ini bau sekali.These socks are very smelly.
- Jangan dekat dengan ikan bau itu.Don't go near that smelly fish.
Example conversation
Rian and Sari are cleaning the kitchen.
- RianSari, apakah kamu mencium sesuatu yang bau?Sari, do you smell something smelly?
- SariIya, sepertinya ada sisa makanan yang bau di sini.Yes, it seems like there is some smelly leftover food here.
- RianAyo kita buang sampah bau ini sekarang.Let's throw away this smelly trash now.
- SariBaiklah, aku akan mengambil plastiknya.Alright, I will get the plastic bag.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bau, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bau, CC BY-SA 4.0.
