你好臭
nei5 hou2 cau3
The English phrase "you smell" is translated into Cantonese as 你好臭 (nei5 hou2 cau3).
This phrase is used to tell someone that they have an unpleasant body odor. While it literally translates to "you are smelly," it is the standard way to convey this observation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 你 (you), 好 (very/so) and 臭 (smelly/stinky).
Which one should you use?
The direct form 你好臭 is used for a straightforward statement, whereas 你整個都係臭嘢 is used specifically when someone's odor is particularly strong or pervasive.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the statement sound more natural in spoken Cantonese, you can add the sentence-final particle 呀 to the end, as in 你好臭呀. This particle is often used to add emphasis or a certain tone to the observation.
How do you pronounce it?
nei5 hou2 cau3
Did you know?
- While 你好臭 is a direct statement, Cantonese speakers often use indirect clues or a polite 你係咪啱啱去咗運動？ ('Did you just exercise?') to avoid the social shame of saying it directly.
- The expression 你整個都係臭嘢 uses the word 嘢 (thing) to dehumanize the subject, effectively telling someone they are nothing but a 'stinking thing'.
- In some contexts, calling someone 臭 can be a teasing term of endearment among very close friends or between parents and children, similar to 'stinky' in English.
Examples in context
- 請注意，開會時你身上有異味，可能需要檢查一下。Please be aware that there is an unusual smell on you during the meeting, you may need to check it.
- 你好臭啊！有沒有洗澡呀？You smell really bad! Have you taken a shower?
- 老友，你整個都係臭嘢。要唔要去洗吓？Hey buddy, you're all stinky. Do you want to go wash up a bit?
- 你好臭呀。nei5 hou2 cau3 aa3.You smell bad.
- 你今日真係你好臭。nei5 gam1 jat1 zan1 hai6 nei5 hou2 cau3.You really smell bad today.
- 唔好行埋嚟，你好臭。m4 hou2 haang4 maai4 lai4, nei5 hou2 cau3.Don't come close, you smell.
Example conversation
Two friends are hanging out after a gym session.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung家明，你好臭呀！ga1 ming4, nei5 hou2 cau3 aa3!Ka Ming, you smell!
- 家明 Ka Ming係咩？我啱啱啱完運動。hai6 me1? ngo5 aam3 aam3 gon3 jyun6 dung6.Really? I just finished exercising.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung快啲去洗個澡啦。faai3 di1 heoi3 sai2 go3 zaau2 laa1.Go take a bath quickly.
- 家明 Ka Ming好，我而家就去。hou2, ngo5 ji4 gaa3 zau6 heoi3.Okay, I'll go now.
