Chinese word

异味

Pronunciation

Pinyinyì wèi

Meaning

  • nounstrange smell

Example

我的鞋子有异味，需要洗。wǒ de xié zi yǒu yì wèi xū yào xǐ

My shoes have a strange smell, so they need washing.

Illustration for 异味 (strange smell)

More examples

这瓶牛奶有异味，不要喝了。zhè píng niú nǎi yǒu yì wèi bú yào hē le

This bottle of milk has a strange smell, so don't drink it.

Core concept

An unexpected odor that makes something seem off rather than fresh, clean, or normal.

Common phrases

  • 散发异味sàn fā yì wèi

    give off a strange smell

  • 闻到异味wén dào yì wèi

    notice a strange smell

  • 异味难闻yì wèi nán wén

    unpleasant-smelling strange odor

Similar words

异臭yì chòu: A clearly noticeable unpleasant smell coming from a thing or a location.
臭味chòu wèi: An especially unpleasant odor linked to spoilage, decay, or grime.
霉味méi wèi: A moldy odor with a damp, stale quality.
汗味hàn wèi: An unpleasant sweat smell on the body or in clothing.

Definition in Chinese

用于描述食品、衣物或空间散发出异常且令人反感的气味的名词。yòng yú miáo shù shí pǐn yī wù huò kōng jiān sàn fā chū yì cháng qiě lìng rén fán gǎn de qì wèi de míng cí

Word origin

The compound 异 (yì, "different") + 味 (wèi, "smell or flavor") presents the smell as a deviation from the normal scent of its source.

Usage tips

  • The word flags an odor problem without naming its cause, so the source can be specified separately when it is known, such as mold, sweat, chemicals, or spoiled food.

Other meanings

  • unpleasant smellnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 异味儿yì wèirunpleasant smellnoun

Word lists with this word