Greetings! In this guide, we will explore various ways to express the idea of someone smelling bad in Spanish. Whether you want to portray this concept informally or in a more formal setting, we’ve got you covered.
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Informal Ways to Say Someone Stinks in Spanish
Informal expressions are commonly used among friends, peers, or in casual conversations. They allow you to convey your point in a relaxed manner. Here are some options:
1. “Huele mal”
This phrase is the most straightforward and commonly used way to express that someone stinks informally. “Huele” means “smells” and “mal” means “bad.” So, together they mean “smells bad.”
Example: “Mi amigo no se bañó por una semana y huele mal.” (My friend didn’t shower for a week and smells bad.)
2. “Hiede”
A synonym for “Huele mal,” “hiede” also means “smells bad” in an informal way. It gives a slightly stronger emphasis on the bad smell.
Example: “La basura vieja en el armario hiede.” (The old trash in the closet stinks.)
3. “Apesta”
Using “apesta” allows you to convey a more intense and negative vibe when describing someone’s bad smell. It’s similar to saying “reeks” in English.
Example: “La habitación no se ha limpiado en meses y apesta.” (The room hasn’t been cleaned in months and reeks.)
Formal Ways to Say Someone Stinks in Spanish
Formal settings, such as professional situations or talking to elders, require a more respectful approach. Below are some formal expressions to communicate the same idea:
1. “Desprende mal olor”
This phrase is polite and directly translates to “gives off a bad odor.”
Example: “El producto químico que estás utilizando desprende mal olor.” (The chemical you are using gives off a bad odor.)
2. “Tiene un olor desagradable”
If you prefer a more euphemistic approach in a formal setting, you can opt for “tiene un olor desagradable,” meaning “has an unpleasant smell.”
Example: “El baño tiene un olor desagradable, por favor, podría limpiarlo.” (The bathroom has an unpleasant smell, could you please clean it?)
3. “Exhala un aroma desfavorable”
This formal expression brings a touch of sophistication to your description, as it translates to “exhales an unfavorable aroma.”
Example: “La comida que preparaste exhala un aroma desfavorable, ¿podrías verificar si está en buen estado?” (The food you cooked exhales an unfavorable aroma, could you please check if it’s fresh?)
Additional Tips and Examples
Now that you have a range of informal and formal expressions at your disposal, here are a few extra tips and examples to enhance your understanding:
Regional Variations
Spanish is spoken across various regions, and with that comes some variations. However, when it comes to expressing someone stinks, the phrases mentioned above are commonly understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world. However, regional variations might exist, and local slang words may be used for emphasis.
Emphasizing the Smell
If you want to place more emphasis on the intensity of the bad smell, you can use adverbs such as “mucho” (a lot) or “demasiado” (too much).
Example: “Esa persona no se ha duchado en semanas y huele demasiado mal.” (That person hasn’t showered for weeks and smells extremely bad.)
Using Body Odor-related Phrases
Another way to convey this idea is by using phrases related to body odor. Here’s an example:
Example: “Después de correr durante horas, mi amigo tiene un olor corporal insoportable.” (After running for hours, my friend has an unbearable body odor.)
Considering Context
Remember to always consider the context in which you use these phrases. While expressing your opinion, it’s essential to be respectful and mindful of others’ feelings.
Alternative Approaches
If you wish to address the issue more indirectly, you can make use of phrases such as “hay un olor extraño” (there is a strange smell) or “algo huele mal aquí” (something smells bad here).
Example: “En esta habitación, hay un olor extraño, ¿has notado lo mismo?” (In this room, there is a strange smell, have you noticed it too?)
Now that you’re equipped with various expressions to say someone stinks in Spanish, both formally and informally, go ahead and add them to your vocabulary. These phrases will undoubtedly come in handy during your conversations.
Remember, it’s always important to be sensitive and considerate when discussing such matters, as personal hygiene can be a sensitive topic. Use these expressions wisely and maintain a warm and respectful tone. Happy conversing!
