Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To give out a smell; to emit an odor: The primary meaning refers to the act of producing and releasing a smell or odor into the air.
   • To smell (bad/strong): It is most commonly used to describe something emitting a noticeable, and often unpleasant or strong, odor.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Thịt này bốc mùi thiu. (This meat smells rotten.)
  • Thùng rác bắt đầu bốc mùi. (The trash can is starting to smell.)
  • Căn phòng bốc mùi ẩm mốc. (The room gives off a musty smell.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is neutral in describing the emission of a smell, but the context (e.g., - stale, - rotten, - fragrant) determines whether the odor is positive or negative. Without a modifier, it often implies a bad smell.
• It can be used figuratively to suggest something is becoming suspicious or corrupt.
  • Vụ án đó đang bốc mùi. (That case is starting to smell fishy.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bốc mùi thơm (verb phrase): to give off a fragrant/nice smell.
  • Bánh mì mới ra lò bốc mùi thơm. (The freshly baked bread smells wonderful.)
• Sình mùi (verb): to become putrid, to reek (often stronger than ).

Synonyms

• To reek: to smell strongly and unpleasantly.
• To stink: to emit a strong, foul odor.
• To emit an odor: to give off a smell (more formal/neutral).

Related Idioms

• Bốc mùi tiền: (slang) to smell like money; to suggest corruption or easy profit.
  • Hợp đồng đó bốc mùi tiền. (That contract smells like money / seems shady and profitable.)

1. Give out a smell; smell
   • Thịt này bốc mùi thiu
     This meat smells stale