Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| puzzolente | /put.t͡soˈlɛn.te/ | feminine, masculine |
| puzzoso | /putˈt͡so.zo/ /putˈt͡so.so/ |
masculine |
Which one should you use?
Puzzoso is a masculine-only form, whereas puzzolente can be used for both masculine and feminine nouns. For a more intense or blunt description of something 'stinking', you can use fetente. If you want to describe a smell as simply 'unpleasant' or 'disagreeable' without being too direct, use sgradevole.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Maleodorante is a formal way to describe something that emits an undesirable smell. In contrast, fetente is an informal word used to describe something as 'stinking'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form puzzolente is used for both masculine and feminine nouns. The term puzzoso is strictly masculine. Many of these adjectives are derived from the verb puzzare, which means 'to smell bad'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /put.tsoˈlɛn.te/. It has four syllables, with the stress on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- While fetente means 'stinking', it is frequently used as a slang insult to call someone a 'scoundrel' or a 'rotten' person.
- The verb puzzare can be used figuratively in Italian to mean 'to be suspicious' or 'to smell a rat', similar to how English uses 'something smells fishy'.
- The suffix '-oso' in puzzoso is the same one found in English words like 'poisonous' or 'delicious', indicating a quality that is full of something.
Examples in context
- "Dormire in un cassonetto, eh?", chiese Al-Sayib. "Deve essere stata una esperienza puzzolente.""Sleeping in a dumpster, huh?" Al-Sayib asked. "That must have been a smelly experience."This sentence uses puzzolente to describe a smelly experience.Tatoeba #3111006 by Guybrush88, translation #585727 by FeuDRenais2
- Che fetore!What a stench!
- Questa fogna è davvero puzzolente.This sewer is really smelly.
- Il pesce nel cestino è puzzolente.The fish in the basket is smelly.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Martina are cleaning the kitchen together.
- AlessandroMartina, questo straccio è troppo puzzolente.Martina, this rag is too smelly.
- MartinaHai ragione, buttalo subito via.You are right, throw it away immediately.
- AlessandroDove posso trovare uno pulito?Where can I find a clean one?
- MartinaGuarda nell'armadio in bagno.Look in the bathroom cupboard.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “smelly” translations and entries puzzolente, puzzoso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries puzzolente, puzzoso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
