How to say “This scent is relaxing” in Portuguese

Introduction

Learning how to express sensory impressions is a great way to sound natural in Brazilian Portuguese. This article teaches you how to say and use the phrase Este perfume é relaxante and several natural variations. You will get vocabulary, simple explanations, short dialogues, beginner tips, and common mistakes to avoid.

Core phrase: How to say This scent is relaxing

The most direct and natural way to say This scent is relaxing in Brazilian Portuguese is Este perfume é relaxante.

Breakdown:

Este means this (masculine, used with masculine nouns).

perfume means perfume or scent; it is masculine in Portuguese.

é is the present form of to be (ser/estar) used here to describe a characteristic.

relaxante means relaxing; it is an adjective that does not change for gender in Portuguese.

Other natural ways to say it

Here are several beginner-friendly alternatives you can use depending on context and tone.

Esse cheiro é relaxante – That smell is relaxing (cheiro = smell)

Esse aroma é relaxante – That aroma is relaxing (aroma = aroma)

O perfume está relaxante – The perfume is relaxing right now (using estar for temporary state)

Esse cheiro me relaxa – That smell relaxes me (me relaxa = relaxes me)

Gosto deste perfume, é relaxante – I like this perfume, it’s relaxing

When to use ser versus estar

Portuguese has two verbs that translate as to be: ser and estar. For scents, beginners can follow this simple rule:

Use ser (é) for a general characteristic: Este perfume é relaxante (This scent is relaxing in general).

Use estar (está) for a temporary impression or current state: O perfume está mais suave hoje (The perfume is milder today).

Example: In a store, you might say Esse aroma é relaxante. After spraying it, you could say Agora está mais suave.

Key vocabulary for discussing scents

Below are common words related to scents, useful in stores, at home, or when talking about candles and aromatherapy.

perfume – perfume, scent

cheiro – smell

aroma – aroma

odor – odor (more formal, less common in casual speech)

difusor – diffuser

vela perfumada – scented candle

essência – essence

spray – spray

lavanda – lavender

baunilha – vanilla

cítrico – citrus

amadeirado – woody

Practical phrases for real situations

Here are short, practical phrases you can use in shops, with friends, or when buying scented products.

Na loja: Posso experimentar esse perfume? – Can I try this perfume?

Comentando: Esse cheiro é bem suave – This smell is very mild

Recomendando: Eu recomendo essa vela, é muito relaxante – I recommend this candle, it’s very relaxing

Perguntando preferências: Você prefere aroma floral ou cítrico? – Do you prefer floral or citrus aroma?

Respondendo: Prefiro algo mais amadeirado e relaxante – I prefer something more woody and relaxing

Short beginner-friendly dialogues

Dialogue 1 – In a store
Cliente: Posso cheirar este?
Vendedor: Claro. Esse é de lavanda, é bem relaxante.

Dialogue 2 – At home talking about candles
Amiga: Que vela bonita. Como é o aroma?
Você: É de baunilha. Este perfume é relaxante e doce.

Dialogue 3 – Recommending a diffuser
Colega: Estou estressado, tem alguma sugestão?
Você: Use um difusor com lavanda. O aroma ajuda, é relaxante.

Grammar and adjective notes

relaxante is an adjective that stays the same for masculine and feminine nouns. So you can say both o perfume é relaxante and a vela é relaxante.

When using demonstratives: use este/esse/aquele depending on distance and context. Este = this (near the speaker), esse = that (near the listener or general), aquele = that over there.

Example: Este perfume é relaxante (pointing to the bottle you hold). Esse cheiro é relaxante (referring to a scent in the room).

Useful adjectives to describe relaxing scents

Below are beginner-friendly adjectives that naturally pair with relaxante or replace it to give nuance.

suave – mild

calmante – calming

tranquilizante – tranquilizing (use carefully; more formal)

doce – sweet

fresco – fresh

natural – natural

Example sentences combining vocabulary

Este perfume é relaxante e tem notas de lavanda – This scent is relaxing and has notes of lavender.

A vela perfumada é suave, o cheiro não é forte – The scented candle is mild, the smell is not strong.

O difusor está ligado; o aroma do óleo essencial é relaxante – The diffuser is on; the essential oil aroma is relaxing.

Beginner tips for sounding natural

Tip 1: Use context words like agora (now), um pouco (a little), muito (very) to make your opinion clearer. Example: Está um pouco relaxante.

Tip 2: Match demonstratives to the situation. Say este if you hold the bottle, esse if the other person holds it or it’s nearby.

Tip 3: When in doubt, keep it simple. Native speakers appreciate concise phrases like Eu gosto, é relaxante.

Common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them

Mistake: Using estar with permanent characteristics only. Avoid saying Este perfume está relaxante as a general rule; use é for characteristics. Use está for temporary impressions: O perfume está fraco hoje.

Mistake: Mixing up cheiro and perfume. Cheiro is any smell; perfume is more specific to fragrances. If talking about a room scent, use cheiro or aroma.

Mistake: Wrong demonstrative. If you hold the item, use este. If the item is with the other person, use esse.

How to respond when someone compliments a scent

Short natural replies:

Obrigada(o)! É relaxante mesmo. – Thank you! It is relaxing indeed.

Fico feliz que tenha gostado. – I’m glad you liked it.

Usei umas gotas a mais de óleo essencial. – I used a few extra drops of essential oil.

Situational examples

At a spa: O aroma aqui é muito relaxante.

Buying a candle: Quero essa vela, o cheiro é relaxante.

On public transport (complaint vs compliment): O cheiro está forte if it’s unpleasant, or Esse perfume é relaxante if pleasant.

Quick checklist before speaking

Identify the noun: perfume, cheiro, aroma, vela.

Choose demonstrative: este / esse / aquele.

Pick verb: é (general) or está (temporary).

Add adjective or detail: relaxante, suave, de lavanda.

Put it together: Este perfume é relaxante.

Additional beginner practice phrases

Esse aroma me lembra a praia – That aroma reminds me of the beach.

O cheiro é muito forte para mim – The smell is too strong for me.

Gosto de perfumes mais suaves e relaxantes – I like milder and more relaxing perfumes.

Conclusion

Expressing that a scent is relaxing in Brazilian Portuguese is straightforward once you know the core phrase Este perfume é relaxante and a few useful variations. Use the vocabulary and short dialogues in this article to practice in stores, at home, or with friends. Focus on demonstratives, the ser versus estar distinction, and simple adjectives to sound natural when talking about scents.