Do you find yourself needing to express that someone has an unpleasant odor in Cantonese? Whether it’s a delicate situation or you simply want to inform someone, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll provide you with formal and informal ways to say “you smell” in Cantonese. We’ll also explore regional variations where necessary, and offer tips, examples, and useful phrases. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When it comes to formal situations, it’s essential to maintain politeness and respect. Here are a few ways to say “you smell” formally in Cantonese:
1. 你有味
Literal Translation: You have a smell
This phrase is a polite way to inform someone that they have an odor. It avoids sounding overly direct or offensive.
“我有一個小建議，希望你不會介意。你有點味，或許你該噴些香水。”
Translation: “I have a small suggestion, I hope you won’t mind. You have a slight smell, maybe you should spray some perfume.”
2. 你身上有異味
Literal Translation: There is an unusual smell on your body
This phrase is an indirect way to convey that someone has an unpleasant odor without directly addressing them.
“請注意，開會時你身上有異味，可能需要檢查一下。”
Translation: “Please be aware that there is an unusual smell on you during the meeting, you may need to check it.”
Informal Expressions
In more casual or intimate situations, you can use these informal expressions to talk about someone’s smell:
1. 你好臭
Literal Translation: You smell bad
This is a straightforward and direct expression commonly used among friends or close acquaintances.
“你好臭啊！有沒有洗澡呀？”
Translation: “You smell really bad! Have you taken a shower?”
2. 你整個都係臭嘢
Literal Translation: You’re all stinky
This informal Cantonese expression is used when someone’s odor is particularly strong or pervasive.
“老友，你整個都係臭嘢。要唔要去洗吓？”
Translation: “Hey buddy, you’re all stinky. Do you want to go wash up a bit?”
Regional Variations
Cantonese is spoken in various regions, and some expressions may vary. Here’s a regional variation where necessary:
Hong Kong Variation:
In Hong Kong, you may commonly hear the phrase “你有BB味” (nei5 jau5 BB mei6), which literally means “you have a baby smell.” Although it may sound strange in English, it’s frequently used to tell someone they have an unpleasant odor.
Tips for Communicating About Odor
1. Be Considerate
Addressing someone’s smell can be delicate, so it’s crucial to be mindful of their feelings and choose your words carefully.
2. Consider the Setting
When discussing someone’s odor, it’s important to assess the environment. Formal expressions are more appropriate in professional or public settings, while informal expressions work well among friends or family.
3. Tone and Body Language
The way you communicate your message, including tone and body language, contributes to the overall impression. Being polite, empathetic, and understanding can help avoid unnecessary offense.
Conclusion
Expressing that someone has an unpleasant odor in Cantonese requires a careful balance of politeness and directness. In formal situations, phrases like “你有味” (you have a smell) or “你身上有異味” (there is an unusual smell on your body) are appropriate. For informal settings, you can use expressions such as “你好臭” (you smell bad) or “你整個都係臭嘢” (you’re all stinky). Remember to consider the regional variations, like “你有BB味” (you have baby smell) in Hong Kong. Lastly, always be considerate, choose the right setting, and maintain a warm tone when addressing someone’s odor in Cantonese. Good luck!
