Common Meanings
1
chòu臭
Unpleasant, foul, or bad-smelling; stench; the opposite of fragrant.
这个房间里弥漫着一股臭味儿。
A foul smell permeated this room.
In classical Chinese, 'chòu' (chòu) could refer to a fragrance, scent, or perfume, often contained in sachets (容臭, róng chòu). This usage is archaic and contrasts with its more common modern meaning of 'stinky' or 'foul-smelling'.
古时士人常佩戴香囊，其内盛有芬芳之臭，以示雅致。
In ancient times, scholars often wore sachets that contained fragrant scents (chòu) to demonstrate their elegance.
Disgusting, detestable, or annoying, often used to describe things or behaviors that are disliked or pretentious (e.g., 'stinky money' for ill-gotten gains, 'to show off', 'haughty airs', 'notorious').
你别再臭美了，大家都知道你有多厉害。
Stop showing off; everyone already knows how capable you are.
Severely; harshly (describing an action, often negative, like scolding or criticizing).
他被老板臭骂了一顿。
He was severely scolded by his boss.
Referring to a bullet or shell that is defective, failing to fire or explode.
这颗子弹是臭的，根本打不响。
This bullet is a dud; it won't fire at all.
2
xiù臭
A general term for 'odor' or 'smell'.
这种化学物质无色无臭。
This chemical substance is colorless and odorless.
To smell, to sniff (an archaic usage, synonymous with 嗅 xiù).
狗儿低头臭着地上的气味。
The dog lowered its head, sniffing the smell on the ground.