How to say “smell” in Darija
In Moroccan, you say “ri7a” and “chemm”; in Algerian, “riha”; in Tunisian, “ri7a”.
In Moroccan Darija
ri7a ريحة
A noun meaning “smell, scent”; “perfume”.
لورد فيه ريحة زوينة: “The rose has a nice smell.”
chemm شم
A verb meaning “to smell, sniff a scent”; “to get some fresh air (chemm lhwa)”.
خرج شم ريحت البحر: “Go out and smell the scent of the sea.”
In Algerian Darja
riha ريحة
A noun meaning “smell, scent”; “fragrance, perfume”; “trace, evoked memory”.
ريحة الخبز تاع الدار ما كاش كيفها.: “Nothing compares to the smell of homemade bread.”
In Tunisian Derja
ri7a ريحة
A noun meaning “smell, scent”; “perfume, cologne”; “trace, hint of something”.
ريحة الكسكسي تحل الشهية: “The smell of couscous whets the appetite.”