सूंघना in 30 Seconds
- सूंघना (soonghna) means to smell.
- It's the action of using your nose to detect odors.
- Used for both pleasant and unpleasant smells.
- Common in everyday conversations about food, nature, and more.
The Hindi word सूंघना (soonghna) is a verb that describes the action of smelling. It refers to the process of taking in air through the nose to detect an odor. This word is versatile and can be used in various contexts, from the natural, involuntary act of smelling to a deliberate, conscious action of sniffing something to identify it. For instance, a dog might सूंघना the ground to follow a scent, or a person might सूंघना a flower to enjoy its fragrance. It’s a fundamental sensory action, much like seeing or hearing. In everyday conversation, people use सूंघना when talking about food, perfumes, natural scents, or even unpleasant odors. It’s a word that connects us to our sense of smell, a crucial part of how we experience the world around us. The intensity of the smell can also influence how the word is used; a strong smell might be described as something one can easily सूंघना, while a faint one might require a more deliberate effort to सूंघना.
- Etymology
- The word 'सूंघना' likely originates from Proto-Indo-European roots related to smelling or scent. Its evolution within Hindi and related Indo-Aryan languages reflects the universal importance of this sense.
- Usage Examples
- You might hear it when someone asks, 'क्या तुम इस गुलाब की खुशबू सूंघना चाहोगे?' (Do you want to smell this rose's fragrance?) or when describing a cooking process, 'खाना पक रहा है, उसकी महक सूंघना आ रही है।' (The food is cooking, its aroma can be smelled.)
A dog loves to सूंघना new smells.
Using सूंघना in sentences is straightforward. As a verb, it typically follows the subject and can be conjugated according to tense and person. For example, in the present tense, 'मैं सूंघता हूँ' (main soonghta hoon) means 'I smell' (for a male speaker), and 'मैं सूंघती हूँ' (main soonghti hoon) means 'I smell' (for a female speaker). The past tense would be 'मैंने सूंघा' (maine soongha), meaning 'I smelled'. The future tense is 'मैं सूंघूंगा' (main soonghoonga) for a male and 'मैं सूंघूंगी' (main soonghoongi) for a female, meaning 'I will smell'.
You can directly use सूंघना with the object of what is being smelled, often with the postposition 'को' (ko) if the object is specific and animate, or without it for general or inanimate objects. For instance, 'मैंने फूल को सूंघा' (Maine phool ko soongha) means 'I smelled the flower.' If you're talking about a general smell, you might say, 'मुझे आम की खुशबू सूंघना अच्छा लगता है।' (Mujhe aam ki khushboo soonghna achha lagta hai.) - 'I like to smell the mango's fragrance.'
The infinitive form 'सूंघना' itself can also function as a noun in certain contexts, meaning 'the act of smelling.' For example, 'जानवरों के लिए सूंघना एक महत्वपूर्ण इंद्रिय है।' (Jaanwaron ke liye soonghna ek mahatvapurna indriya hai.) - 'Smelling is an important sense for animals.'
When describing the purpose of smelling, you can use phrases like 'खुशबू सूंघना' (khushboo soonghna - to smell a fragrance) or 'बदबू सूंघना' (badboo soonghna - to smell a bad odor). The context will usually make it clear whether it's a pleasant or unpleasant smell being detected.
- Present Tense
- मैं सूंघता/सूंघती हूँ (I smell), तुम सूंघते/सूंघती हो (You smell), वह सूंघता/सूंघती है (He/She smells).
- Past Tense
- मैंने सूंघा (I smelled), तुमने सूंघा (You smelled), उसने सूंघा (He/She smelled).
- Future Tense
- मैं सूंघूंगा/सूंघूंगी (I will smell), तुम सूंघोगे/सूंघोगी (You will smell), वह सूंघेगा/सूंघेगी (He/She will smell).
Let's सूंघना this new perfume.
You'll hear सूंघना in a wide variety of everyday situations in Hindi-speaking regions. It’s a common word used in families, among friends, and in casual conversations. For instance, when cooking, a family member might say, 'वाह! क्या अच्छी खुशबू आ रही है, क्या तुम सूंघना चाहोगे?' (Wow! What a nice aroma is coming, would you like to smell it?). This highlights its use in appreciating food and cooking.
In households, parents might ask children, 'क्या तुमने कुत्ते को सूंघना?' (Did you smell the dog?), perhaps warning them about a strong odor. It's also used when discussing nature. Someone might remark, 'बारिश के बाद मिट्टी की खुशबू सूंघना बहुत सुकून देता है।' (Smelling the earth's fragrance after the rain is very comforting.)
In more specific contexts, like visiting a garden or a flower market, people frequently use this word. 'इन गुलाबों को सूंघना तो बनता है!' (One must smell these roses!) is a common sentiment. Even when describing an unpleasant experience, it's used: 'उस कूड़ेदान से बहुत बदबू सूंघना आ रही थी।' (A strong stench was coming from that dustbin, it was difficult to smell).
You might also hear it in media, such as in nature documentaries or when characters in movies or TV shows describe their surroundings. The word is fundamental to describing sensory experiences, making it a staple in everyday Hindi vocabulary.
- Home & Kitchen
- Discussing food aromas, cooking, or the smell of spices.
- Nature & Outdoors
- Describing the smell of flowers, rain, earth, or forests.
- Social Gatherings
- Commenting on perfumes, or sometimes unpleasant odors.
The aroma of freshly baked bread is wonderful to सूंघना.
One common mistake for learners is confusing सूंघना with other sensory verbs or using it in contexts where it doesn't quite fit. For example, mistaking it for 'देखना' (dekhna - to see) or 'सुनना' (sunna - to hear) is unlikely, but learners might sometimes use it when they mean 'to taste' (चखना - chakhna), especially when describing food. While smelling is often a precursor to tasting, they are distinct actions.
Another potential pitfall is the direct translation of English phrases. For instance, saying 'I smell a problem' might not directly translate to 'मुझे समस्या सूंघना आ रही है।' (Mujhe samasya soonghna aa rahi hai.). While idioms exist, the literal 'smelling a problem' is not a common Hindi idiom using सूंघना. Instead, one might say 'मुझे कुछ गड़बड़ लग रही है' (Mujhe kuch gadbad lag rahi hai - I feel something is wrong).
Learners might also struggle with the grammatical construction, particularly the use of postpositions like 'को'. While generally सूंघना takes a direct object, sometimes the structure can be more complex depending on what is being smelled and how it is being smelled. For example, saying 'I smell the air' is 'मैं हवा सूंघता हूँ' (Main hawa soonghta hoon), but if you are describing the general act of smelling something in the air, the phrasing might differ.
Finally, overusing the word or using it for very subtle or non-olfactory senses can be a mistake. सूंघना specifically refers to the action through the nose. If you are referring to a general 'feeling' or 'sense' of something, other words would be more appropriate.
- Confusing with Taste
- Using 'सूंघना' when 'चखना' (to taste) is intended.
- Literal Translation of Idioms
- Directly translating English idioms involving 'smell' without considering Hindi equivalents.
- Grammar Errors
- Incorrect use of postpositions or verb conjugations.
Incorrect: I smell a problem. (Literal translation)
Correct: मुझे कुछ गड़बड़ लग रही है। (I feel something is wrong.)
While सूंघना is the most common and general verb for 'to smell', there are related words and phrases that offer slightly different nuances. One such word is 'महकना' (mahakna), which means 'to emit a fragrance' or 'to smell pleasant'. It describes the object that is smelling, rather than the action of smelling. For example, 'गुलाब महक रहा है' (Gulab mahak raha hai) means 'The rose is smelling fragrant'.
Another related term is 'खुशबू' (khushboo), which is a noun meaning 'fragrance' or 'pleasant smell'. You would use this noun in conjunction with 'आना' (aana - to come) or 'लगना' (lagna - to feel/seem) to describe a pleasant smell being perceived, rather than using the verb सूंघना. For example, 'मुझे आम की अच्छी खुशबू आ रही है।' (Mujhe aam ki achhi khushboo aa rahi hai.) - 'I am getting a good fragrance of mango.'
Conversely, for unpleasant smells, the noun 'बदबू' (badboo) is used, meaning 'stench' or 'bad odor'. Similar to 'खुशबू', you would say 'बदबू आ रही है' (badboo aa rahi hai) to indicate a bad smell. सूंघना would then be the action of detecting this bad smell.
In some contexts, especially when referring to animals or a very keen sense of smell, you might encounter more specific verbs or descriptive phrases, but सूंघना remains the overarching term for the act of smelling.
- सूंघना (soonghna)
- Verb: To smell (the action of perceiving an odor).
- महकना (mahakna)
- Verb: To emit a fragrance, to smell pleasant (describes the source).
- खुशबू (khushboo)
- Noun: Fragrance, pleasant smell.
- बदबू (badboo)
- Noun: Stench, bad odor.
The rose smells beautiful. (The rose is emitting a fragrance).
गुलाब महक रहा है। (Gulab mahak raha hai.)
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The act of smelling is one of the most ancient senses, and words for it are found in almost all languages, reflecting its fundamental importance in survival and interaction with the environment. The Hindi word 'सूंघना' shares cognates with words for smelling in other Indo-Aryan languages.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'gh' as a hard 'g' or omitting it entirely.
- Shortening the vowel sounds, especially 'oo' and 'aa'.
- Misplacing the stress on the second syllable.
Difficulty Rating
This is a basic A1 level word. Understanding its primary meaning and common usage in simple sentences is straightforward for beginners. Advanced learners might explore its idiomatic uses or metaphorical extensions.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Transitive Verb Conjugation
The verb 'सूंघना' is transitive, meaning it takes a direct object. Ensure correct conjugation based on subject, tense, and gender: 'मैं फूल सूंघता हूँ' (I smell the flower).
Use of Postposition 'को' (ko)
While not always mandatory, 'को' is often used with direct objects, especially when specific or animate: 'उसने इत्र को सूंघा।' (He smelled the perfume.)
Present Continuous Tense
To describe an action happening now: 'कुत्ता सूंघ रहा है।' (The dog is smelling.)
Past Tense Formation
Simple past tense: 'मैंने सूंघा।' (I smelled.) Past continuous: 'वह सूंघ रहा था।' (He was smelling.)
Infinitive as Noun
The infinitive form 'सूंघना' can act as a noun: 'सूंघना एक कला है।' (Smelling is an art.)
Examples by Level
मैं फूल सूंघता हूँ।
I smell the flower.
Simple present tense, masculine singular subject.
कुत्ता सूंघ रहा है।
The dog is smelling.
Present continuous tense.
क्या तुम यह सूंघ सकती हो?
Can you smell this?
Question form, feminine singular subject.
मुझे आम की खुशबू सूंघना पसंद है।
I like to smell the mango's fragrance.
Infinitive used as object of 'पसंद है'.
यह खाना बहुत अच्छा सूंघता है।
This food smells very good.
Describing the smell of food.
मैंने इत्र सूंघा।
I smelled the perfume.
Simple past tense.
बिल्ली चूहे को सूंघ रही थी।
The cat was smelling the mouse.
Past continuous tense.
कल मैं बगीचे में फूल सूंघूंगा।
Tomorrow I will smell flowers in the garden.
Simple future tense, masculine singular subject.
क्या तुमने बाज़ार में मसालों की गंध सूंघी?
Did you smell the scent of spices in the market?
Past tense question, using 'गंध' (scent).
मुझे बारिश के बाद मिट्टी की महक सूंघना बहुत अच्छा लगता है।
I really like to smell the earth's fragrance after the rain.
Expressing preference for smelling a specific natural scent.
यह नया इत्र बहुत ही मनमोहक खुशबू सूंघता है।
This new perfume smells very captivating.
Describing a perfume's pleasant smell.
जब मैं घर पहुंचा, तो खाने की बहुत अच्छी महक सूंघना आई।
When I reached home, a very good aroma of food came to be smelled.
Describing a smell that was perceived upon arrival.
कभी-कभी जंगली जानवर बहुत दूर से ही शिकार को सूंघ लेते हैं।
Sometimes wild animals can smell their prey from a long distance.
Describing the keen sense of smell in animals.
उस पुरानी किताब से एक अजीब सी गंध सूंघना आ रही थी।
A strange smell was coming from that old book.
Describing an unusual smell from an object.
क्या तुमने कभी किसी फूल को बहुत करीब से सूंघा है?
Have you ever smelled a flower very closely?
Asking about a past experience of smelling.
हमें कचरे के ढेर को सूंघना नहीं चाहिए, वह हानिकारक हो सकता है।
We should not smell the garbage heap, it can be harmful.
Advising against smelling something unpleasant and potentially harmful.
वैज्ञानिकों ने नई दवा के प्रभाव को सूंघकर पहचानने का तरीका विकसित किया है।
Scientists have developed a method to identify the effect of the new medicine by smelling it.
Using 'सूंघकर' (by smelling) to describe a method.
उसके कमरे से हमेशा एक हल्की सी महक आती थी, जिसे वह सूंघने का आनंद लेता था।
A light fragrance always came from his room, which he enjoyed smelling.
Describing the enjoyment of smelling a consistent fragrance.
बच्चों को सिखाया जाता है कि किसी भी अनजान चीज़ को बिना बड़ों की अनुमति के सूंघना नहीं चाहिए।
Children are taught that they should not smell any unknown object without the permission of elders.
Giving advice or instruction related to smelling.
मुझे याद है कि बचपन में माँ के हाथ के बने खाने की खुशबू सूंघते ही पेट में चूहे कूदने लगते थे।
I remember that in childhood, as soon as I smelled the fragrance of my mother's homemade food, my stomach would rumble.
Expressing a strong, nostalgic sensory memory associated with smelling.
यह परफ्यूम इतना हल्का है कि इसे सूंघने के लिए आपको बहुत करीब जाना पड़ता है।
This perfume is so light that you have to go very close to smell it.
Describing the intensity and subtlety of a smell.
जासूस ने अपराधी के भागने की दिशा को हवा में सूंघने की कोशिश की।
The detective tried to smell the direction of the criminal's escape in the air.
Figurative use of smelling to detect a trail or direction.
सूखे पत्तों को जलाने पर जो धुआँ उठता है, उसकी गंध सूंघना कई लोगों को पसंद आता है।
Many people like to smell the smoke that rises when dry leaves are burned.
Describing a specific, sometimes acquired, scent preference.
अगर तुम्हें किसी चीज़ से जलने की बदबू सूंघना आए, तो तुरंत अलार्म बजा देना।
If you smell a burning odor from something, immediately sound the alarm.
Using smelling as a warning signal for danger.
वनस्पतिशास्त्री पौधों की प्रजातियों को पहचानने के लिए उनकी गंध सूंघने की क्षमता का उपयोग करते हैं।
Botanists use their ability to smell the scent of plants to identify species.
Technical use of smelling in a scientific context.
उसकी सहज प्रवृत्ति थी कि वह किसी भी स्थिति में छिपे हुए खतरे को सूंघ लेता था।
His instinct was to smell out hidden danger in any situation.
Figurative use of smelling to detect danger or deception.
प्राचीन काल में, लोग विभिन्न जड़ी-बूटियों की गंध सूंघकर उनके औषधीय गुणों का पता लगाते थे।
In ancient times, people used to determine the medicinal properties of various herbs by smelling their scent.
Historical context of using smell for identification and knowledge.
पेय पदार्थों की गुणवत्ता का आकलन करने के लिए वाइन चखने वाले उसकी महक को बड़े ध्यान से सूंघते हैं।
Wine tasters smell its aroma very carefully to assess the quality of the beverages.
Professional use of smelling in tasting and assessment.
कई कीड़े अपने साथी को आकर्षित करने या खतरे से बचने के लिए फेरोमोन नामक विशेष गंध सूंघते हैं।
Many insects smell special scents called pheromones to attract their mates or avoid danger.
Biological function of smelling pheromones.
वह एक प्रतिभाशाली शेफ है जो केवल अपनी नाक से ही किसी भी व्यंजन की खामियों को सूंघ सकता है।
He is a talented chef who can smell out the flaws in any dish just by his nose.
Highlighting exceptional skill in smelling for culinary purposes.
अप्रत्याशित घटनाओं की आहट को वह हमेशा हवा में सूंघ लेता था, मानो उसके पास कोई छठी इंद्री हो।
He always sensed the hint of unexpected events in the air, as if he had a sixth sense.
Metaphorical use of smelling to perceive subtle indications or premonitions.
पुरातत्वविद प्राचीन कब्रों को खोलते समय सावधानी बरतते हैं, क्योंकि उनमें से अजीब और कभी-कभी हानिकारक गंध सूंघना आ सकती है।
Archaeologists take precautions when opening ancient tombs, as strange and sometimes harmful odors can emanate from them.
Smelling as a potential indicator of environmental hazards in historical sites.
मनोवैज्ञानिकों का मानना है कि गंध की हमारी क्षमता हमारे भावनात्मक अनुभवों और स्मृतियों को गहराई से प्रभावित करती है, जिसे हम अक्सर अनजाने में सूंघते हैं।
Psychologists believe that our ability to smell deeply influences our emotional experiences and memories, which we often smell unconsciously.
Discussing the psychological impact of olfactory perception.
कलाकारों ने अपनी कृतियों में विभिन्न गंधों को शामिल करने के तरीके खोजे हैं, ताकि दर्शक न केवल देख सकें बल्कि कला के माध्यम से गंध को भी सूंघ सकें।
Artists have found ways to incorporate various scents into their works, so that viewers can not only see but also smell the scents through the art.
Sensory art and the intentional use of scent.
इतिहासकारों का तर्क है कि मध्ययुगीन शहरों की दुर्गंध का अनुभव नागरिकों के जीवन की गुणवत्ता को समझने के लिए महत्वपूर्ण है, और वे इसे उस समय के साहित्य में सूंघ सकते हैं।
Historians argue that experiencing the stench of medieval cities is important for understanding the quality of life of citizens, and they can smell it in the literature of that time.
Historical analysis through sensory descriptions in texts.
किसी व्यक्ति के व्यक्तित्व का आकलन करने के लिए उसकी सूक्ष्म शारीरिक गंध को सूंघने की क्षमता, जिसे अक्सर अवचेतन रूप से महसूस किया जाता है, को कुछ संस्कृतियों में महत्वपूर्ण माना जाता है।
The ability to smell a person's subtle body odor, often perceived subconsciously, is considered important in some cultures for assessing their personality.
Cultural and subconscious aspects of smelling human scents.
कृषि में, मिट्टी के स्वास्थ्य का आकलन करने के लिए अनुभवी किसान अक्सर मिट्टी की गंध को सूंघते हैं, क्योंकि यह पोषक तत्वों और नमी के स्तर का संकेत दे सकती है।
In agriculture, experienced farmers often smell the earth to assess soil health, as it can indicate nutrient and moisture levels.
Traditional and empirical methods in agriculture involving smelling.
अत्तर (इत्र) बनाने की कला में, मास्टर परफ्यूमर विभिन्न फूलों और मसालों की गंध को इतनी बारीकी से सूंघते हैं कि वे एक जटिल और सामंजस्यपूर्ण सुगंध बना सकें।
In the art of making attar (perfume), master perfumers smell the scents of various flowers and spices so meticulously that they can create a complex and harmonious fragrance.
The highly refined skill of smelling in perfumery.
भाषा के विकास में, कुछ ध्वनियों या गंधों का वर्णन करने वाले शब्दों का उद्भव उस समय के लोगों की इंद्रिय-आधारित समझ को सूंघने में मदद करता है।
In the development of language, the emergence of words describing certain sounds or smells helps us to smell the sensory understanding of people of that time.
Linguistic analysis of sensory vocabulary.
वैज्ञानिकों ने ऐसे सेंसर विकसित किए हैं जो मानव नाक की तरह ही अत्यंत सूक्ष्म रासायनिक संकेतों को सूंघ सकते हैं, जिनका उपयोग चिकित्सा निदान या पर्यावरण निगरानी में किया जा सकता है।
Scientists have developed sensors that can smell extremely subtle chemical signals, much like the human nose, which can be used in medical diagnostics or environmental monitoring.
Technological advancements in artificial olfaction.
मानव मस्तिष्क गंध की सूचना को इस तरह से संसाधित करता है कि यह सीधे लिम्बिक सिस्टम से जुड़ जाता है, जो भावनाओं और स्मृति का केंद्र है, जिससे हम गंधों को गहराई से सूंघते हैं और उनसे अविस्मरणीय यादें जोड़ते हैं।
The human brain processes olfactory information in such a way that it connects directly to the limbic system, the center of emotions and memory, allowing us to smell scents deeply and associate unforgettable memories with them.
Neuroscience of olfaction and its link to emotion and memory.
कला के इतिहास में, कुछ कलाकृतियों को इस तरह से संरक्षित किया गया है कि वे आज भी उस समय की हवा में मौजूद गंधों को सूंघने का अनुभव करा सकती हैं, जिससे दर्शक उस युग की समग्र संवेदी दुनिया में डूब जाते हैं।
In art history, some artworks have been preserved in such a way that they can still provide an experience of smelling the scents present in the air of that time, immersing viewers in the holistic sensory world of that era.
Preservation of sensory experiences through historical artifacts and art.
सांस्कृतिक नृविज्ञान में, किसी समाज की मान्यताओं और प्रथाओं को समझने के लिए उनके अनुष्ठानों में उपयोग की जाने वाली सुगंधों और दुर्गंधों को सूंघना महत्वपूर्ण हो सकता है, क्योंकि ये अक्सर प्रतीकात्मक अर्थ रखते हैं।
In cultural anthropology, smelling the fragrances and stenches used in a society's rituals can be important for understanding their beliefs and practices, as these often hold symbolic meaning.
Anthropological interpretation of scent in rituals and symbolism.
जैविक युद्ध के संदर्भ में, अत्यंत संवेदनशील सेंसर का उपयोग करके वातावरण में सूक्ष्म रासायनिक युद्ध एजेंटों को सूंघने की क्षमता, किसी भी संभावित खतरे का पता लगाने के लिए महत्वपूर्ण है।
In the context of biological warfare, the ability to smell subtle chemical warfare agents in the atmosphere using highly sensitive sensors is crucial for detecting any potential threat.
Advanced detection methods for hazardous substances via olfaction.
पाक कला के क्षेत्र में, एक मास्टर शेफ न केवल सामग्री की ताजगी को सूंघता है, बल्कि विभिन्न घटकों के बीच रासायनिक प्रतिक्रियाओं से उत्पन्न होने वाली सूक्ष्म सुगंधों को भी महसूस करता है, जो अंतिम व्यंजन के स्वाद को प्रभावित करती हैं।
In the culinary field, a master chef not only smells the freshness of ingredients but also perceives the subtle aromas arising from chemical reactions between different components, which influence the taste of the final dish.
The sophisticated olfactory analysis in haute cuisine.
पर्यावरण विज्ञान में, प्रदूषित जल निकायों से निकलने वाली वाष्पशील कार्बनिक यौगिकों को सूंघने की क्षमता, प्रदूषण के स्रोत और गंभीरता का प्रारंभिक निदान प्रदान कर सकती है।
In environmental science, the ability to smell volatile organic compounds emanating from polluted water bodies can provide an early diagnosis of the source and severity of pollution.
Environmental monitoring through olfactory detection of pollutants.
भाषाविदों के लिए, प्राचीन ग्रंथों में गंधों का वर्णन करने वाले शब्दों के विकास का अध्ययन करना, उस समय के लोगों की दुनिया को समझने का एक अनूठा तरीका है, जैसे कि वे स्वयं उन गंधों को सूंघ रहे हों।
For linguists, studying the evolution of words describing scents in ancient texts is a unique way to understand the world of people at that time, as if they were smelling those scents themselves.
Etymological and historical linguistics related to sensory perception.
फार्मास्युटिकल उद्योग में, नई दवाओं की प्रभावकारिता और सुरक्षा का आकलन करने के लिए, शोधकर्ता अक्सर जटिल आणविक संरचनाओं से निकलने वाली सूक्ष्म गंधों को सूंघते हैं, जो अनपेक्षित प्रतिक्रियाओं का संकेत दे सकती हैं।
In the pharmaceutical industry, to assess the efficacy and safety of new drugs, researchers often smell subtle odors emanating from complex molecular structures, which can indicate unexpected reactions.
Olfactory analysis in drug development and safety testing.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— I am smelling something. (often implies an unknown or significant smell)
मुझे कुछ जलने की गंध सूंघना आ रही है।
— Smelling a very good aroma.
जब खाना पक रहा था, तो बहुत अच्छी महक सूंघना आ रही थी।
Often Confused With
'सूंघना' is the action of smelling, while 'महकना' means to emit a fragrance or smell pleasant. You 'सूंघना' a smell that is 'महक' रहा है.
'सूंघना' relates to smell (nose), whereas 'चखना' relates to taste (tongue). They are distinct sensory actions.
'गंध' is a noun meaning scent or odor. 'सूंघना' is the verb for the action of perceiving that scent.
Idioms & Expressions
— Literally 'to smell with the nose'. It emphasizes the act of smelling, often with curiosity or suspicion. It can also imply being nosy.
तुम हर बात में अपनी नाक क्यों सूंघते हो? (Tum har baat mein apni naak kyon soonghte ho? - Why do you sniff your nose into everything? / Why are you so nosy?)
Informal— Literally 'to smell the air'. It can mean to sense the general atmosphere, mood, or upcoming events. It implies an intuitive perception.
चुनाव से पहले हवा सूंघना ज़रूरी है। (Chunav se pehle hawa soonghna zaroori hai. - It's important to smell the air before the elections. / To gauge the public mood.)
Figurative/Informal— Literally 'to smell the stench of something'. This is used figuratively to mean sensing trouble, deception, or something wrong about a situation or person.
मुझे इस डील में कुछ गड़बड़ की बू सूंघना आ रही है। (Mujhe is deal mein kuch gadbad ki boo soonghna aa rahi hai. - I am smelling a stench of something wrong in this deal. / I sense something fishy about this deal.)
Figurative/Informal— Literally 'to make breath in the nose', but it means to annoy or irritate someone greatly. While not directly using 'सूंघना', the nose is involved in the irritation.
यह बच्चा हर समय मेरा नाक में दम कर देता है। (Yeh bachcha har samay mera naak mein dum kar deta hai. - This child irritates me all the time.)
Idiomatic/Informal— Literally 'to be a hair of the nose'. It means to be very dear or important to someone, to be highly favored.
वह अपने मालिक की नाक का बाल है। (Vah apne malik ki naak ka baal hai. - He is the apple of his master's eye. / He is highly favored by his boss.)
Idiomatic/Informal— Literally 'to rub the nose'. It means to beg or plead humbly, to grovel.
वह मुझसे माफ़ी माँगने के लिए नाक रगड़ने लगा। (Vah mujhse maafi maangne ke liye naak ragadne laga. - He started groveling to ask for my forgiveness.)
Idiomatic/Informal— Literally 'to cut the nose'. It means to disgrace or humiliate someone, to cause them to lose face or respect.
उसकी करतूतों ने पूरे परिवार की नाक काट दी। (Uski kartooton ne poore parivaar ki naak kaat di. - His actions disgraced the entire family.)
Idiomatic/Informal— Literally 'not to let a fly sit on the nose'. It means to be very proud, arrogant, or to maintain a high status and not tolerate any disrespect or slight.
वह इतना अमीर है कि नाक पर मक्खी न बैठने दे। (Vah itna ameer hai ki naak par makkhi na baithne de. - He is so rich that he doesn't let anyone disrespect him. / He maintains a very high status.)
Idiomatic/Informal— Literally 'breath to come into the nose'. Similar to 'नाक में दम करना', it means to be extremely annoyed or troubled by someone or something.
गर्मी ने मेरे नाक में दम कर दिया है। (Garmi ne mere naak mein dum kar diya hai. - The heat is really bothering me. / The heat is making me miserable.)
Idiomatic/Informal— Literally 'to make a sound from the nose'. This refers to speaking in a nasal tone or making sounds through the nose, like humming or sniffing loudly.
वह सर्दी के कारण नाक से आवाज़ निकाल रहा था। (Vah sardi ke kaaran naak se aawaz nikal raha tha. - He was speaking with a nasal voice due to a cold.)
DescriptiveEasily Confused
Both relate to smell.
'सूंघना' is the act of smelling, performed by the subject (e.g., 'I smell the flower'). 'महकना' describes the quality of the object itself, meaning 'to emit a fragrance' or 'to smell pleasant' (e.g., 'The flower smells beautiful'). You 'सूंघना' a smell that is 'महक' रहा है.
गुलाब बहुत महक रहा है, चलो इसे सूंघें। (Gulab bahut mahak raha hai, chalo ise soonghein. - The rose is smelling very fragrant, let's smell it.)
Both are sensory verbs related to experiencing something.
'सूंघना' is the act of smelling using the nose. 'चखना' is the act of tasting using the tongue. They are distinct senses and actions. You smell food before tasting it.
मैंने केक को सूंघा और फिर थोड़ा सा चखा। (Maine cake ko soongha aur phir thoda sa chakha. - I smelled the cake and then tasted a little bit.)
Related to the concept of smell.
'गंध' is a noun meaning 'scent' or 'odor'. It is the thing being perceived. 'सूंघना' is the verb, the action of perceiving that 'गंध'.
मुझे ताज़ी हवा की गंध सूंघना अच्छा लगता है। (Mujhe taazi hawa ki gandh soonghna achha lagta hai. - I like to smell the scent of fresh air.)
Can be used in similar contexts, especially with food.
'सूंघना' is purely the act of smelling. 'जाँचना' means 'to check' or 'to examine'. While smelling can be part of checking something (like food freshness), 'जाँचना' implies a broader examination, which might include touching or tasting as well.
माँ ने दूध को सूंघा और फिर उसे जाँचा कि वह खट्टा तो नहीं है। (Maa ne doodh ko soongha aur phir use jaancha ki vah khatta toh nahin hai. - Mother smelled the milk and then checked it to see if it was sour.)
Both relate to perception.
'सूंघना' is specific to the olfactory sense (smell). 'महसूस करना' is a general term for 'to feel' or 'to perceive' using any sense or intuition. You can 'महसूस' a temperature, an emotion, or even a faint smell, but 'सूंघना' is the direct action of smelling.
मुझे हवा में बदलाव महसूस हुआ, शायद बारिश आने वाली है। (Mujhe hawa mein badlav mehsoos hua, shayad baarish aane wali hai. - I felt a change in the air, perhaps it's going to rain. - Here, 'महसूस' is general perception, not specific smelling.)
Sentence Patterns
Subject + Object + सूंघना।
मैं गुलाब सूंघता हूँ।
Subject + सूंघना + रहा/रही है।
कुत्ता सूंघ रहा है।
Subject + Object + की खुशबू/गंध + सूंघना + पसंद है।
मुझे आम की खुशबू सूंघना पसंद है।
Object + से + बदबू/खुशबू + सूंघना + आ रही है।
कूड़ेदान से बदबू सूंघना आ रही है।
Subject + Object + को + सूंघकर + Verb।
वह गंध को सूंघकर समझ गया।
Subject + (Time/Place) + Object + सूंघना।
कल मैंने बगीचे में फूल सूंघे।
Subject + (Ability/Method) + Object + को + सूंघने की क्षमता।
वह गंध को सूंघने की क्षमता रखता है।
Subject + (Figurative Object) + को + सूंघना।
वह हवा में खतरे को सूंघ सकता था।
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Very High
-
Using 'सूंघना' for tasting.
→
Using 'चखना' for tasting.
Learners sometimes confuse sensory verbs. 'सूंघना' is for smell (nose), while 'चखना' is for taste (tongue). Always ensure you are using the correct verb for the intended sense.
-
Literal translation of English idioms.
→
Using appropriate Hindi idioms or descriptive phrases.
Directly translating phrases like 'I smell a rat' into Hindi using 'सूंघना' might not convey the intended meaning. It's better to use established Hindi idioms like 'मुझे कुछ गड़बड़ लग रही है' (I feel something is wrong).
-
Incorrect verb conjugation.
→
Correct conjugation based on subject, tense, and gender.
Forgetting to change the verb ending based on who is performing the action or when it occurred is a common error. For example, saying 'मैं सूंघता है' instead of 'मैं सूंघता हूँ' (masculine) or 'मैं सूंघती हूँ' (feminine).
-
Confusing 'सूंघना' with 'महकना'.
→
'सूंघना' for the action, 'महकना' for the quality of the smell.
'सूंघना' is the act of smelling, while 'महकना' means to emit a fragrance. Saying 'मैं महकता हूँ' (I emit fragrance) is incorrect if you mean 'I smell something'.
-
Overusing 'सूंघना' for general perception.
→
Using general perception verbs like 'महसूस करना' or 'लगना' when appropriate.
While 'सूंघना' is specific to smell, 'महसूस करना' (to feel/perceive) is broader. Don't use 'सूंघना' when you mean to generally sense or feel something abstract.
Tips
Mastering the 'gh' sound
The 'gh' sound in 'सूंघना' is a voiced velar fricative. It's like the 'g' in 'go' but made with more friction, or similar to the 'ch' in Scottish 'loch' but voiced. Practice by trying to make a 'g' sound while letting air pass through your throat with slight friction. Listen to native speakers to get it right.
Connect with Related Words
Learn words like 'खुशबू' (fragrance), 'बदबू' (stench), 'गंध' (scent), and 'महकना' (to emit fragrance) alongside 'सूंघना'. Understanding these related terms will enrich your ability to describe olfactory experiences comprehensively.
Verb Conjugation Practice
Practice conjugating 'सूंघना' in different tenses (present, past, future) and for different subjects (I, you, he/she, etc.). This is crucial for forming grammatically correct sentences. For example, 'मैं सूंघता हूँ', 'तुम सूंघते हो', 'वह सूंघेगा'.
Explore Figurative Meanings
Familiarize yourself with idiomatic uses like 'हवा सूंघना' (to sense the atmosphere) or 'बू सूंघना' (to sense trouble). These expressions add depth and nuance to your Hindi communication, making it sound more natural.
Daily Olfactory Journal
Make a habit of noting down smells you encounter daily. Try to describe them in Hindi using 'सूंघना' and related words. This active practice will solidify your understanding and usage.
Appreciate the Cultural Significance
Understand that in Hindi-speaking cultures, smells (especially of food and flowers) are often discussed more openly and appreciated. This cultural context can help you understand why 'सूंघना' is such a common word.
Distinguish from Similar Verbs
Clearly differentiate 'सूंघना' (to smell) from 'चखना' (to taste), 'देखना' (to see), and 'सुनना' (to hear). Recognize that each verb pertains to a specific sensory organ and perception.
Use in Role-Playing
Practice scenarios where smelling is relevant, such as describing a meal, identifying a flower's scent, or even acting out a detective sniffing for clues. This active application enhances retention.
Seek Native Speaker Feedback
If possible, ask native Hindi speakers to correct your usage of 'सूंघना' and related expressions. Their feedback can be invaluable in refining your pronunciation and contextual understanding.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a very strong perfume ('Scent') that makes you want to 'GNAW' at it because it's so overwhelming. So, SCENT-GNAW -> SUNGHNA. Or, think of a dog that loves to 'SUNG' about how good things 'NA'r (smell).
Visual Association
Picture a dog with its nose up in the air, enthusiastically sniffing a delicious-looking dish. The dog is clearly 'सूंघना'-ing.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to identify 5 different things around you by smell and say their names in Hindi, using the verb 'सूंघना' to describe the action.
Word Origin
The word 'सूंघना' (soonghna) is of Indo-Aryan origin. It is believed to have evolved from older Prakrit and Sanskrit roots related to smelling or scent.
Original meaning: The root likely relates to the act of inhaling or perceiving a smell.
Indo-Aryan (part of Indo-European)Cultural Context
While 'सूंघना' is a neutral term, describing strong 'बदबू' (stench) can be considered impolite in very formal settings, though it's common in everyday talk. The cultural context often dictates how openly unpleasant smells are discussed.
In English-speaking cultures, while smelling is a basic sense, the act of consciously smelling things like food or flowers might be less frequently verbalized in casual conversation compared to Hindi-speaking contexts, unless there's a specific reason to comment on a strong or unusual scent.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Kitchen and Food
- खाना सूंघना
- खुशबू आ रही है
- जाँचने के लिए सूंघना
Nature and Outdoors
- फूल सूंघना
- हवा सूंघना
- मिट्टी की गंध सूंघना
Personal Care and Fragrances
- इत्र सूंघना
- खुशबू सूंघना
Animals and Their Behavior
- कुत्ता सूंघ रहा है
- जानवर सूंघते हैं
Describing Odors (General)
- बदबू सूंघना
- गंध का पता लगाना
- कुछ सूंघना आ रहा है
Conversation Starters
"आज सुबह तुमने क्या सूंघा?"
"तुम्हें किस चीज़ की खुशबू सूंघना सबसे अच्छा लगता है?"
"क्या तुमने आज कोई नई गंध सूंघी?"
"अगर तुम कोई भी गंध सूंघ सकते, तो कौन सी सूंघते?"
"क्या तुम्हें लगता है कि सूंघने की क्षमता महत्वपूर्ण है?"
Journal Prompts
आज मैंने जो भी चीज़ें सूंघीं, उनकी एक सूची बनाओ और उनका वर्णन करो।
उस गंध के बारे में लिखो जो तुम्हें सबसे ज़्यादा पसंद है और क्यों।
उस गंध के बारे में लिखो जो तुम्हें बिल्कुल पसंद नहीं है और उसे सूंघने का अनुभव कैसा था।
क्या कोई ऐसी गंध है जो तुम्हें किसी खास याद की ओर ले जाती है? उसके बारे में विस्तार से लिखो।
कल्पना करो कि तुम एक कुत्ते हो। तुम अपनी दुनिया को कैसे सूंघते?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'सूंघना' can be both a conscious action (like deliberately sniffing a flower) and an unconscious or involuntary sensory perception (like noticing a strong smell in the air without actively trying to smell it). The context usually clarifies the intent.
Yes, absolutely. 'सूंघना' is a neutral verb and can be used for both pleasant smells (खुशबू) and unpleasant smells (बदबू). For example, 'कूड़ेदान से बदबू सूंघना आ रही थी' means 'A stench was coming from the dustbin'.
'सूंघना' is the verb for the act of smelling (what a person or animal does with their nose). 'महकना' is a verb that means 'to emit a fragrance' or 'to smell pleasant' (describing the object itself). For example, 'गुलाब महक रहा है' (The rose is fragrant), and 'मैं गुलाब सूंघता हूँ' (I smell the rose).
'सूंघना' conjugates like other regular verbs. For example: Present: मैं सूंघता/सूंघती हूँ (I smell). Past: मैंने सूंघा (I smelled). Future: मैं सूंघूंगा/सूंघूंगी (I will smell). Remember to adjust for gender and number.
Yes, 'सूंघना' can be used figuratively, especially in phrases like 'हवा सूंघना' (to sense the atmosphere or mood) or 'बू सूंघना' (to sense trouble or something wrong). These are usually informal idioms.
The infinitive form 'सूंघना' itself can sometimes function as a noun, meaning 'the act of smelling'. For example, 'सूंघना एक महत्वपूर्ण इंद्रिय है' (Smelling is an important sense). Alternatively, 'गंध' (gandh) is the noun for 'scent' or 'odor'.
'गंध' is a general term for any smell, which can be pleasant or unpleasant. 'खुशबू' specifically refers to a pleasant smell or fragrance. 'बदबू' refers to an unpleasant smell or stench.
While 'सूंघना' covers both general smelling and sniffing, the phrase 'नाक सूंघना' (naak soonghna) can sometimes imply a more deliberate sniffing or being nosy. For a quick sniff, 'सूंघना' is sufficient.
The postposition 'को' is often used with direct objects, especially when referring to specific or animate things. For example, 'मैंने फूल को सूंघा' (I smelled the flower). However, for general or less specific objects, it might be omitted: 'वह हवा सूंघ रहा था' (He was smelling the air).
Yes, 'सोंघना' (songhna) is a common colloquial variation. Also, words like 'संगना' (sangna - to associate) or 'रंगना' (rangna - to paint) have similar sounds but different meanings.
Test Yourself 10 questions
/ 10 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
सूंघना (soonghna) is the fundamental Hindi verb for the act of smelling, referring to the sensory perception of odors through the nose. It's widely used in daily life to describe experiences with food, nature, perfumes, and even unpleasant smells.
- सूंघना (soonghna) means to smell.
- It's the action of using your nose to detect odors.
- Used for both pleasant and unpleasant smells.
- Common in everyday conversations about food, nature, and more.
Mastering the 'gh' sound
The 'gh' sound in 'सूंघना' is a voiced velar fricative. It's like the 'g' in 'go' but made with more friction, or similar to the 'ch' in Scottish 'loch' but voiced. Practice by trying to make a 'g' sound while letting air pass through your throat with slight friction. Listen to native speakers to get it right.
Context is Key
While 'सूंघना' is versatile, pay attention to the context. Is it a deliberate action or a passive perception? Is the smell pleasant or unpleasant? This will help you use the word more effectively and choose appropriate accompanying vocabulary.
Connect with Related Words
Learn words like 'खुशबू' (fragrance), 'बदबू' (stench), 'गंध' (scent), and 'महकना' (to emit fragrance) alongside 'सूंघना'. Understanding these related terms will enrich your ability to describe olfactory experiences comprehensively.
Verb Conjugation Practice
Practice conjugating 'सूंघना' in different tenses (present, past, future) and for different subjects (I, you, he/she, etc.). This is crucial for forming grammatically correct sentences. For example, 'मैं सूंघता हूँ', 'तुम सूंघते हो', 'वह सूंघेगा'.
Example
फूल सूंघो।
Related Content
Related Phrases
More action words
भागना
A1To run away, flee, or escape from a person, place, or situation. It can also refer to running very quickly in a general sense or avoiding responsibilities.
मिलाना
A1To combine, mix, or blend two or more things together into a single whole. It can also refer to the act of introducing people, shaking hands, or comparing/matching items.
लेटना
A1To lie down or recline one's body in a horizontal position, usually for rest or sleep. It refers to the physical act of resting on a surface like a bed, sofa, or the ground.
पकाना
A1To cook food by applying heat or to cause something to ripen. It is a transitive verb used when an agent prepares a meal or when a person bores someone with excessive talk in a metaphorical sense.
ठहरना
A1To stay, stop, or remain at a place temporarily. It is used to describe pausing an action or residing in a location like a hotel or a guest house for a short duration.
सुखाना
A1To cause something to dry by removing moisture, typically by using heat, air, or sunlight. It is the transitive form of the verb, meaning you are actively performing the action on an object.
उबलना
A1To reach the boiling point where a liquid turns into vapor and produces bubbles. It is used both literally in cooking and figuratively to describe intense emotions like anger.
घोलना
A1To dissolve or mix a solid or semi-solid substance into a liquid until it becomes a uniform solution. This action usually involves stirring and is common in cooking, chemistry, and daily tasks.
रगड़ना
A1The act of moving one surface back and forth against another with pressure. It is commonly used to describe cleaning, polishing, or generating heat through friction.
छानना
A1To separate solids from liquids or fine particles from coarse ones using a sieve or filter. It is also commonly used figuratively to mean searching a place or information thoroughly.
