What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective كريه (hateful/detestable) and the noun الرائحة (the smell).
Which one should you use?
While كريه الرائحة is a standard way to describe a bad smell, the word نتن provides a more concise, formal and intense way to say 'stinking'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more intense and concise formal expression, use نتن. In informal or colloquial speech, people often use different structures instead of a single adjective.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Arabic dialects, rather than using a single adjective for 'smelly', speakers often use a phrase such as ريحتو وحشة to mean 'his/its smell is bad'. An informal way to say 'His smell is disgusting' is ريحته بتقرف.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the feminine form, change the adjective to كريهة الرائحة.
How do you pronounce it?
karih al-ra'iha
Did you know?
- In many Arabic cultures, referring to a person's smell using ريحتو وحشة can be a severe social insult, as personal hygiene is deeply tied to religious purity rituals.
- To describe a 'stink' in some dialects, speakers use the word زفرة, which specifically refers to the fishy or oily smell of raw meat and seafood.
- The word كريه is derived from the root for 'hatred' or 'loathing'. In Arabic, a bad smell is not just unpleasant, it is literally described as something that is 'hated'.
Examples in context
- أعتذر، هنا رائحة كريهةI apologize, there is an unpleasant smell here.
- المكان ده ريحته بتقرفThis place smells disgusting.
- هذا الطعام كريه الرائحة.hadha al-ta'am karih al-ra'iha.This food is smelly.
- الجو في هذا المكان كريه الرائحة.al-jaw fi hadha al-makan karih al-ra'iha.The air in this place is smelly.
Example conversation
Maryam and Yusuf are in the kitchen near the trash can.
- مريم Maryamهل تشم هذا؟ كيس القمامة كريه الرائحة.hal tashum hadha? kis al-qumama karih al-ra'iha.Do you smell this? The trash bag is smelly.
- يوسف Youssefنعم، إنها رائحة سيئة حقاً.na'am, innaha ra'iha sayyi'a haqqan.Yes, it is a really bad smell.
- مريم Maryamسأقوم بإخراجه الآن.sa-aqum bi-ikhrajihi al-an.I will take it out now.
- يوسف Youssefشكراً لكِ يا مريم.shukran laki ya Maryam.Thank you, Maryam.
