Portuguese Phrase
Que cheirinho bom!
Meaning
This phrase is a common exclamation used to react to a pleasant aroma, such as food cooking or a nice perfume. The use of the diminutive 'cheirinho' (little smell) makes the expression sound more affectionate and enthusiastic than the standard word 'cheiro'.
When to use
Use this when entering a kitchen, smelling flowers, or complimenting someone's perfume. It is an informal and warm way to show you appreciate a scent.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quecheirinhobom
Que
In this context, 'Que' acts as an intensifier for exclamations, similar to 'What a...' in English.
Cheirinho
The suffix '-inho' creates the diminutive form of 'cheiro', making the tone more informal and affectionate.
Bom
This is the masculine singular adjective for 'good', which must agree with the masculine noun 'cheirinho'.
🗨In Conversation
Acabei de fazer um café fresquinho.
I just made some fresh coffee.
Que cheirinho bom!
What a nice smell!
✕Common Mistakes
Que cheirinho bem!
Use the adjective 'bom' (good) to describe the noun, not the adverb 'bem' (well).
Que bom cheirinho!
In natural Portuguese exclamations, the adjective usually follows the noun for emphasis.
↔Alternatives
Que cheiro bom!
What a good smell!
Cheira muito bem!
It smells very good!
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, using diminutives like 'cheirinho' is a way to express intimacy and positive emotion. It is a very common social phrase used to be polite and friendly when visiting someone's home or passing by a bakery.