Puzzi
The English phrase "you smell bad" is translated into Italian as Puzzi.
This phrase is used to tell someone that their body has an unpleasant odor.
Which one should you use?
The form used depends on who you are talking to: Puzzi is for a single person you know, Puzza is used when addressing a single person formally and Puzzate is used when addressing a group of people.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you want to be more indirect and polite, you should use the phrase Hai un cattivo odore instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb changes based on the subject: use Puzzi for the informal singular, Puzza for the formal singular and Puzzate for the plural.
Did you know?
- If you want to say someone 'smells' something (like a flower), you must use the verb annusare instead of puzzare, as puzzare only describes emitting a bad odor.
- In some Italian dialects, the root of puzzi is used to describe the smell of sulfur from volcanic areas, reflecting Italy's unique geography.
- The verb puzzare is often used figuratively in Italian to describe something that is 'fishy' or suspicious, much like the English expression 'that smells fishy'.
Examples in context
- Senta, mi scuso, ma avrei bisogno di farle notare che c'è un odore sgradevole. Potrebbe gentilmente verificare se si tratta di qualcosa che può risolvere?Excuse me, but I need to bring to your attention that there is an unpleasant odor. Could you please check if it's something you can resolve?
- Sei puzzolente.You stink.
- Ohi, ma che puzza che hai!?Hey, what a smell you've got!?
- Ma che fetore che hai!What a stench you have!
- Sei puzzoso come un ratto di fogna.You are smelly like a sewer rat.
- Puzzi molto.You smell very bad.
- Puzzi di sudore.You smell of sweat.
- Puzzi di sigaretta.You smell of cigarettes.
Example conversation
Giulia and Lorenzo are hanging out in the living room.
- GiuliaLorenzo, puzzi! Vai a farti una doccia.Lorenzo, you smell bad! Go take a shower.
- LorenzoDavvero? Non me ne sono accorto.Really? I didn't notice.
- GiuliaSì, è un odore molto forte.Yes, it is a very strong smell.
- LorenzoHai ragione, vado subito.You're right, I'm going right now.
