Welcome! In this guide, we will explore different ways to express the concept of “bad smell” in Korean. We’ll cover both formal and informal expressions, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of how to discuss unpleasant scents in Korean conversations. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Bad Smell”
When speaking formally or in polite situations, you can use the following expressions to convey the idea of “bad smell”:
1. 악취 (akchwi)
악취 is a formal term often used in written or official contexts. It denotes a strong and unpleasant odor. It can be used for any kind of bad smell, ranging from offensive scents to foul odors.
Example conversation:
Person A: 요즘 도서관에서 악취가 나던데요. (These days, there’s a bad smell coming from the library.)
Person B: 정말? 어떤 악취가 나요? (Really? What kind of bad smell?)
2. 냄새가 진하다 (naemsaega jinhada)
This expression, meaning “the smell is strong,” can be used in formal situations to describe an intense or overpowering bad smell.
Example conversation:
Person A: 이 호텔 방에는 냄새가 진해요. (There’s a strong smell in this hotel room.)
Person B: 정말요? 뭐 냄새가 나요? (Really? What kind of smell?)
Informal Ways to Say “Bad Smell”
In informal conversations or when speaking to close friends or family members, you can use the following expressions to convey the idea of “bad smell”:
1. 냄새 나다 (naemsaenada)
냄새 나다 is a commonly used informal phrase meaning “to smell bad.” It is often used in day-to-day conversations to describe anything with an unpleasant odor.
Example conversation:
Person A: 이 음식 신 기미가 너무 심해. 냄새 나. (This food has a strong fishy smell. It smells bad.)
Person B: 나도 그렇게 느껴져. (I feel the same way.)
2. 못 냄새 (mot naemsaek)
못 냄새 is a casual expression used among friends, meaning “a terrible smell.” It emphasizes the strong unpleasantness of the odor.
Example conversation:
Person A: 저거 봐, 집에 못 냄새가 나. (Look at that, my house has a terrible smell.)
Person B: 정말? 뭐 냄새가 나? (Really? What kind of smell?)
Regional Variations
While the expressions mentioned above are widely used throughout Korea, it’s worth noting that various regions might have unique local terms for “bad smell.” However, these regional variations are not necessary for everyday conversations. Should you encounter any, locals will likely understand the context based on your usage of widely known expressions.
Conclusion
We’ve covered a range of expressions to say “bad smell” in Korean, both in formal and informal contexts. By using these phrases, you’ll be able to confidently discuss bad smells in various situations. Remember to choose the appropriate expression depending on the level of formality required, and feel free to incorporate regional variations if you come across them during your Korean language journey. Happy learning and good luck with your Korean conversations!
