odeur corporelle
The English phrase "body odor" is translated into French as odeur corporelle.
odeur corporelle refers to the smell produced by the human body, particularly when a person has not bathed. If you want to say that someone "smells bad" or "has body odor," you can use the verbal phrase sentir mauvais.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of odeur (odor/smell) and corporelle (bodily/of the body).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Mauvaise odeur corporelle means "bad body odor" and odeur corporelle désagréable means "unpleasant body odor". In polite or medical contexts, it is common to use the euphemism la transpiration (perspiration) to refer to body odor more indirectly.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form is odeurs corporelles, where both the noun and the adjective take an s.
Did you know?
- If you want to describe someone who has a very strong body odor, you might use the expression sentir fort, which literally translates to 'to smell strong' rather than 'to smell bad'.
- To describe someone as 'stinky' or having strong body odor, the colloquial term puer is used, which is much more aggressive than sentir mauvais.
- The French word odeur is neutral, unlike the English word 'odor' which often implies something unpleasant.
Examples in context
- Après avoir fait du sport, tu as une odeur corporelle désagréable.After exercising, you have an unpleasant body odor.
- Il a une odeur corporelle forte.He has a strong body odor.
- Cette odeur corporelle est très forte.This body odor is very strong.
- Le déodorant aide à masquer l'odeur corporelle.Deodorant helps to mask body odor.
- Il a une odeur corporelle désagréable après le sport.He has an unpleasant body odor after sports.
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are talking about gym hygiene.
- NathanJe déteste l'odeur corporelle dans le vestiaire.I hate the body odor in the locker room.
- ChloéC'est vrai, c'est très désagréable.It's true, it is very unpleasant.
- NathanIl faut prendre une douche après le sport.You have to take a shower after sports.
- ChloéJe suis d'accord avec toi, Nathan.I agree with you, Nathan.
