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olor

/oh-LOHR/

smell

A close-up illustration of a pink rose emitting visible wavy scent lines that curve upwards, representing the sensation of smell.

The most common meaning of 'olor' is a physical smell or scent, the sensation perceived by the nose.

olor(noun)

mA1

smell

?

Sensation perceived by the nose

,

odor

?

Formal term for smell

Also:

scent

?

Often related to perfume or pleasant smells

📝 In Action

¡Qué buen olor tiene este café!

A1

What a great smell this coffee has!

El olor a gasolina me da dolor de cabeza.

A2

The smell of gasoline gives me a headache.

Ese olor extraño viene de la cocina.

A2

That strange odor is coming from the kitchen.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • aroma (aroma (usually pleasant))
  • fragancia (fragrance)

Antonyms

  • hedor (stench)
  • peste (foul smell/plague)

Common Collocations

  • tener olor a – to smell like
  • un olor fuerte – a strong smell

💡 Grammar Points

Masculine Noun

Even though it ends in -r, 'olor' is always masculine: 'el olor', 'un olor'.

Describing Smells

To say something 'smells like' something else, use 'tener olor a...': 'La casa tiene olor a flores' (The house smells like flowers).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'La' instead of 'El'

Mistake: "La olor es horrible."

Correction: El olor es horrible. ('Olor' is masculine, even though it ends in 'r'.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Positive vs. Negative

Use 'aroma' or 'fragancia' for pleasant smells, and 'olor' (or 'hedor') for neutral or unpleasant ones.

An illustration showing a single, tiny, golden feather resting alone on the floor in the far corner of a large, empty, pale blue room, symbolizing a subtle trace or hint.

'Olor' can also be used abstractly to mean a subtle trace or suggestion, like a hint of an idea.

olor(noun)

mB2

hint

?

A trace or suggestion of something abstract

,

trace

?

A subtle sign or indication

Also:

reputation

?

Figurative, usually negative reputation (e.g., 'mal olor')

📝 In Action

Había olor a traición en su discurso.

B2

There was a hint of betrayal in his speech.

Esa empresa siempre ha tenido olor a corrupción.

C1

That company has always had a trace of corruption (a bad reputation for corruption).

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • indicio (sign/indication)
  • rastro (trace)

Common Collocations

  • oler a – to hint at/to suggest

Idioms & Expressions

  • quedarse con el olor – To be left with nothing; to miss out completely.

💡 Grammar Points

Figurative Use

When used figuratively, 'olor' often precedes 'a' plus an abstract noun (e.g., 'olor a peligro' = hint of danger).

⭐ Usage Tips

Reputation Context

In older or more literary Spanish, talking about a person or place having 'mal olor' often means they have a bad reputation, not literally a bad smell.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: olor

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'olor' in its figurative sense (a trace or hint)?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

oler(to smell (verb)) - verb
olfato(sense of smell) - noun
olores(smells (plural)) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'olor' masculine or feminine?

'Olor' is masculine. You must use 'el olor' or 'un olor', never 'la olor', even though it ends in a consonant.

What is the difference between 'olor' and 'aroma'?

Both mean 'smell,' but 'aroma' is almost always reserved for pleasant, natural, or appetizing smells (like coffee or flowers). 'Olor' is more general and can be neutral or bad.