How to Say “Smelly” in Filipino

Greetings! If you’re looking to expand your vocabulary and learn how to express the concept of “smelly” in Filipino, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll not only cover the formal and informal ways to say “smelly” but also provide you with regional variations, tips, examples, and more. So, let’s dive in!

Formal Ways to Say “Smelly”

If you want to express the idea of “smelly” in a formal context, you can use the following expressions:

1. Mabahong – This is the most common and general term for “smelly” in Filipino. It can be used to describe any unpleasant odor, whether it’s related to a person, object, or place. For example:
   
   

   “Ang bulok na itlog ay mabahong.” (The rotten egg is smelly.)

2. Sansang – Although less common than “mabahong,” “sansang” specifically refers to a strong or pungent smell. It is often used to describe strong odors that are overpowering or lingering. Here’s an example:
   
   

   “Ang isda ay may sansang amoy.” (The fish has a strong smell.)

3. Mabangong – When you want to indicate something has a “pleasant smell,” use the word “mabangong.” This term is the opposite of “mabahong.” For instance:
   
   

   “Ang bulaklak ay mabangong.” (The flower is fragrant.)

Informal Ways to Say “Smelly”

If you’re in a more casual or informal setting, you can use these expressions to convey the idea of “smelly”:

1. Sabog – This slang term is mainly used by the younger generation to describe something as “stinky” or “smelly.” Here’s an example:
   
   

   “Ang basura ay sabog na.” (The garbage is smelly.)

2. Amoy – This is a versatile slang word that can be used as a verb or noun, meaning “to smell” or “smell.” In informal conversations, it’s common to hear Filipinos using “amoy” to describe something as “smelly.” For example:
   
   

   “Amoy paa siya.” (He/she smells like feet.)

Regional Variations

While formal and informal ways to say “smelly” are widely understood across the Philippines, there may be some regional variations to be aware of. Here are a few examples:

• Baho – In some regions, particularly in Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog, “baho” is used instead of “mabaho.” The meaning remains the same, referring to something as “smelly.”
• Lansa – Commonly used in the Visayas region, “lansa” is used to describe fishy or seafood-like smells. For instance:
  
  

  “Ang isda ay lansa.” (The fish smells fishy.)

Tips and Examples

Now that you’re familiar with the formal, informal, and regional variations of “smelly” in Filipino, let’s provide you with some additional tips and examples:

• Context Matters – Keep in mind that the context in which you use these words is crucial. The same term may vary in intensity depending on the situation.
• Body Odor – When referring to a person’s body odor, you can use the expressions “amoy pawis” (smells like sweat) or “mabahong hininga” (bad breath).
• Emphasizing Intensity – To emphasize a strong smell, you can use the adverb “na sobra” or “na grabe” to modify the word. For example:
  
  

  “Ang tae ay mabahong matindi.” (The poop smells extremely bad.)

• Polite Way to Express Smell – In polite situations, it’s more common to use descriptive phrases that indicate the presence of an odor, rather than directly saying something is “smelly.” For instance:
  
  

  “May amoy dito.” (There’s a smell here.)

I hope this guide has helped you learn how to say “smelly” in Filipino! Remember to use the appropriate term based on the level of formality and consider regional variations if necessary. Keep practicing and expanding your vocabulary. Happy learning!