puzzi
In Italian, puzzi is the way to say "you smell" when referring to an unpleasant body odor.
This phrase is used to tell someone that they have an unpleasant odor. It is important to note that the Italian verb puzzare is inherently negative. Unlike the English verb "to smell," which can be used neutrally (such as to smell a flower), puzzare always implies a bad smell.
Which one should you use?
While puzzi is used to tell a single person that they smell, puzzate is used when speaking to a group of people.
How does it change in a sentence?
puzzi is the second-person singular conjugation of the verb puzzare, used when speaking informally to one person. puzzate is the second-person plural conjugation of puzzare, used when speaking to a group of people.
Did you know?
- In Italian, you can use puzzare to describe things that are not living, such as questo formaggio puzza, which is often a compliment for certain strong cheeses.
- The word puzzare can be used metaphorically to describe a situation or a person that seems suspicious or 'fishy'.
- Because puzzare is so blunt, Italians often use the phrase hai un odore to soften the blow, which literally means 'you have an odor'.
Examples in context
- Hai un odore strano, potresti prendere una doccia?You have a strange smell, could you take a shower?
- Puzzi di sudore.You smell of sweat.
- Puzzi molto.You smell a lot.
- Non avvicinarti, puzzi!Don't come close, you smell!
Example conversation
Matteo and Giulia are in a gym locker room.
- MatteoGiulia, non avvicinarti a me.Giulia, don't come close to me.
- GiuliaPerché? Cosa c'è?Why? What is it?
- MatteoPuzzi di sudore dopo l'allenamento.You smell of sweat after the workout.
- GiuliaHai ragione, devo fare una doccia.You're right, I need to take a shower.
