apestas
/apestas/from spelling rules
The phrase "you stink" is translated into Spanish as apestas.
apestas is used to tell someone that they have a bad smell. While it usually refers to a person's body odor or a general bad smell, it can also be used figuratively to mean someone is "stinking" at a task or performing poorly.
How does it change in a sentence?
apestas is the second-person singular informal conjugation of the verb apestar. To specify what someone smells like, use the preposition a after the verb, such as apestas a cebolla (you stink of onion).
How do you pronounce it?
/apestas/
Did you know?
- The verb apestar is historically linked to the word peste, which refers to the plague. To tell someone they stink is, etymologically, to suggest they carry the scent of a pandemic.
- Depending on the region, apestar can be swapped for oler a rayos, which literally means 'to smell like lightning bolts' to indicate an unbearable stink.
- The phrase apestar a is used for scents as well as stinks. For example, apestar a perfume can be used sarcastically if someone has applied too much fragrance.
Examples in context
- Apestas.You stink.This example shows the direct use of apestas.Tatoeba #8844653 by Sabir, translation #4834656 by shekitten
- Apestas a cigarrillos.You stink of cigarettes.This example demonstrates how to specify a smell using apestas followed by the preposition 'a'.Tatoeba #3591227 by cueyayotl, translation #2571244 by Eldad
- Sabemos que apestas.We know you stink.This example shows apestas used within a larger sentence.Tatoeba #10748591 by DJ_Saidez, translation #10748596 by DJ_Saidez
Example conversation
In a small gym after a workout.
- María¡Qué fuerte! Apestas mucho.How strong! You stink a lot.
- AlejandroLo siento, María, vengo del gimnasio.I'm sorry, María, I'm coming from the gym.
- MaríaEs que apestas a sudor.It's just that you stink of sweat.
- AlejandroVoy a ducharme ahora mismo.I am going to shower right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
