oler
/oˈleɾ/
To smell in Spanish is oler.
The verb oler is used to describe both the active action of sniffing something and the passive state of emitting an odor. If you wish to refer specifically to scents that are intentionally applied to someone or something, the verb perfumar is used. To describe the act of emanating or giving off a smell, use exhalar. For a keen sense of smell, you can use the idiomatic phrase olfato agudo. The noun form of this verb is olor.
Which one should you use?
While oler covers the general concept of smelling, you can use the colloquial verb apestar to express that something has a negative or unpleasant smell.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb oler is irregular in the present tense. In the first person singular present indicative, it becomes huelo instead of olo. In the third person singular and plural, the stem changes from ole- to huele- (for example, huele).
How do you pronounce it?
/oˈleɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When describing what something smells like, do not use a direct object. Instead, use the preposition a after the verb, such as in huele a flores to say it smells like flowers.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish dialects, using oler without a complement can imply that something is suspicious or 'smells' like a lie.
- The English word 'olfactory' and the Spanish verb oler share the same ancient roots, tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European 'h₃ed-'.
- The noun olor is a close relative to the English word 'odor', both stemming from the same Latin origins.
Examples in context
- Voy a oler la piña.I'm going to smell the pineapple.This sentence is useful for practicing the verb oler with a fruit.Tatoeba #12039916 by JSKabylie15, translation #12039918 by DJ_Saidez
- ¿Por qué le gusta a la gente oler sus propios pedos?Why do people like to smell their own farts?This sentence uses oler in a question regarding a bodily function.Tatoeba #1287749 by Shishir, translation #1248700 by darinmex
- He estado montando por tanto tiempo que estoy empezando a oler como mi caballo.I've been riding so long I'm starting to smell like my horse.This sentence demonstrates using oler to describe smelling like something else.Tatoeba #3104079 by marcelostockle, translation #1911983 by CK
- La rosa huele muy bien.The rose smells very nice.
- El pan recién horneado exhala un aroma delicioso.Freshly baked bread gives off a delicious aroma.
- ¿Has olido ese perfume? Huele increíble.Have you smelled that perfume? It smells amazing.
- El pescado en mal estado apesta.The spoiled fish stinks.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are at a flower shop.
- DanielSofía, quiero oler estas flores.Sofía, I want to smell these flowers.
- SofíaSon muy fragantes, Daniel.They are very fragrant, Daniel.
- DanielEs un placer oler la naturaleza.It is a pleasure to smell nature.
- SofíaTienes mucha razón.You are very right.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry oler, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries oler, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
