hôi
[hoj˧˧]
The English word "stinky" is translated into Vietnamese as hôi.
hôi is an adjective used to describe smells that are unpleasant or foul. It is typically applied to scents like body odor, garbage or rotten food.
Meaning: having a strong, unpleasant smell (adj)
Which one should you use?
While hôi is a general term for a bad smell, the word thối is a stronger term specifically used to describe the smell of decay or rotting organic matter.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that something is very stinky, you can add the particle quá after the adjective to form hôi quá (so stinky/very stinky). If you wish to use the phrase as a noun meaning "a stinky smell" or "a bad odor", use the phrase mùi hôi.
Did you know?
- The word hôi is used in the phrase hôi của, which describes the act of looting or stealing things during a chaotic event like a fire or a riot.
- In Vietnam, the famous 'stinky tofu' from China is often described using hôi or thối, but for locals, these words can signal a delicious and appetizing aroma rather than something to avoid.
- The word hôi shares an ancient linguistic ancestor with the word in the Tho language, a member of the Mon-Khmer family.
Examples in context
- Cái này hôi thế.It's stinky.This sentence is useful for expressing that something is stinky using hôi.Tatoeba #13573355 by leucammieuvu, translation #13573222 by rul
- Phòng tắm có mùi hôi từ rất sớm.The bathroom has had a stinky smell since early morning.
- Hôm qua tôi tập gym, mồ hôi tôi hôi hám lắm.I worked out yesterday, and my sweat was really stinky.
- Tất của anh ấy rất hôi.His socks are very stinky.
- Mùi rác này hôi quá.This trash smell is so stinky.
Example conversation
Minh is wearing gym clothes that haven't been washed.
- LanÁo của anh hôi quá!Your shirt is so stinky!
- MinhAnh xin lỗi, anh quên giặt đồ.I'm sorry, I forgot to wash my clothes.
- LanAnh đi thay đồ đi.Go change your clothes.
- MinhĐược rồi, anh đi ngay.Alright, I'm going now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry hôi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hôi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
