apestas
/apestas/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "you're smelly" is translated as apestas.
The phrase is used to tell someone that they have a strong or unpleasant body odor.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase apestas is a direct translation of the English "you stink".
Which one should you use?
While apestas is very blunt and insulting, hueles mal is a slightly more polite way to tell someone they have an unpleasant odor.
How does it change in a sentence?
apestas is the second-person singular present indicative form of the verb apestar.
How do you pronounce it?
/apestas/
Did you know?
- The root of apestas is linked to the word peste, which refers to the plague. Calling someone 'smelly' in this way historically evokes the scent of disease and death.
- In some Caribbean dialects, the word apestoso can be used as a playful or affectionate insult between very close friends, whereas in other regions it remains a severe insult.
- While apestas is an insult, Spanish speakers may use the word fragante ironically to describe someone who is clearly smelly, creating a sarcastic opposite of 'fragrant'.
Examples in context
- Amigo, disculpa pero hueles mal. Deberías darte una ducha o usar algún desodorante.Dude, sorry, but you smell bad. You should take a shower or use some deodorant.
- Hermanito, estás apestoso. Anda, ve a bañarte antes de salir.Little brother, you're stinky. Come on, go take a shower before going out.
- ¡Apestas, quítate de aquí!You stink, get out of here!
- ¡Guau, apestas!Wow, you smell bad!
- No te acerques, apestas mucho.Don't come close, you smell a lot.
- Después de correr, apestas un poco.After running, you smell a bit.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are at the gym.
- LucíaMateo, apestas mucho después de entrenar.Mateo, you're really smelly after training.
- MateoLo siento, Lucía. Fue un entrenamiento intenso.I'm sorry, Lucía. It was an intense workout.
- LucíaNecesitas una ducha urgentemente.You need a shower urgently.
- MateoTienes razón, voy ahora mismo.You're right, I'm going right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
