Learning how to describe smells in different languages is not only interesting but also helpful when communicating with native speakers. In this guide, we will explore various ways to express “smelly” in Greek. Whether you’re looking for a formal or informal term, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways
If you wish to express the notion of “smelly” formally in Greek, you can use the following terms:
1. Δυσάρεστος (dysárēstos)
The word “δυσάρεστος” is commonly used to describe something unpleasant or disagreeable. It can be used to refer to an unpleasant smell.
Example: Έχω μια δυσάρεστη αίσθηση λόγω των οσμών (Écho mi̱a dysáresti̱ aísthisi̱ lógo̱ to̱n osmó̱n) – I have an unpleasant feeling due to the smells.
2. Αποπνικτικός (apopniktikós)
If you want to emphasize the suffocating nature of a smell, you can use the term “αποπνικτικός”. It conveys the notion of a stifling or overwhelming odor.
Example: Η αίθουσα ήταν γεμάτη αποπνικτική μυρωδιά (I̱ aíthousa ítan g̱emáti apopniktikí myro̱diá) – The room was filled with a stifling smell.
3. Αίσχος (aíschos)
The word “αίσχος” translates to “disgust” or “repulsion.” It can be used to convey the idea of something smelly in a more formal context.
Example: Δεν μπορώ να ανεχτώ την αίσχους μυρωδιά (De̱n boró̱ na anechtó̱ ti̱n aíschous myro̱diá) – I can’t stand the disgusting smell.
Informal Ways
Informal language allows for more colloquial and relaxed expressions. If you want to describe something as “smelly” informally in Greek, consider these alternatives:
1. Σμπάρο (sbaro)
The term “σμπάρο” is a popular slang term used to describe a bad smell.
Example: Πούφτωσες το σπίτι! Έχει σμπάρο! (Poúftoses to spíti! Échei sbaro!) – You stink up the house! It has a bad smell!
2. Φρικτός (friktós)
“Φρικτός” is another informal term used to describe something dreadful or terrible, including foul odors.
Example: Κόλλησε φρικτή μυρωδιά στον αέρα (Kóllise friktí myro̱diá ston aéra) – A terrible smell stuck in the air.
3. Απείρως αποκρουστικός (apeíro̱s apokroustikós)
If you want to express extreme disgust toward a smelly object or odor, you can use the term “απείρως αποκρουστικός”.
Example: Αυτό το φαγητό είναι απείρως αποκρουστικό και μυρίζει άσχημα (Aftó̱ to fagitó eínai apeíro̱s apokroustikó kai myrízei áschi̱ma) – This food is extremely disgusting and smells bad.
Regional Variations
While Greek is mostly standardized, some variations exist across regions. However, in terms of describing “smelly,” the variations are minimal. The terms mentioned above can be understood throughout Greece without any significant regional differences.
Summary
In conclusion, learning how to say “smelly” in Greek provides you with essential vocabulary to describe unpleasant odors. Whether you need to express this formally or informally, the terms “δυσάρεστος,” “αποπνικτικός,” and “αίσχος” are suitable options. For a more informal tone, you can use “σμπάρο,” “φρικτός,” or “απείρως αποκρουστικός.” Remember, these words may vary slightly depending on the context, but their meaning will remain clear to Greek speakers across different regions.
Now, armed with this knowledge, you can confidently discuss smells and describe the strong odors you come across in Greek! Enjoy exploring the language and the aromatic diversity it offers!
