Inklingo

How to Say "smell" in Spanish

English → Spanish

olor

oh-LOHR/oˈlor/

nounA1general
Use 'olor' for the general sensation of a smell, whether pleasant or unpleasant, that is perceived by the nose.
A close-up illustration of a pink rose emitting visible wavy scent lines that curve upwards, representing the sensation of smell.

Examples

¡Qué buen olor tiene este café!

What a great smell this coffee has!

El olor a gasolina me da dolor de cabeza.

The smell of gasoline gives me a headache.

Ese olor extraño viene de la cocina.

That strange odor is coming from the kitchen.

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).

Using 'La' instead of 'El'

Mistake: “La olor es horrible.”

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

rastro

/RRAH-stroh//ˈras.tɾo/

nounB1general
Use 'rastro' to specifically mean a strong, lingering odor, often used when tracking something or referring to a scent left behind.
A cartoon bloodhound with its nose to the ground, intently sniffing an invisible winding scent trail over green grass.

Examples

El perro olfateó el rastro del conejo.

The dog sniffed the rabbit's scent.

Aún queda un rastro de humo en la habitación.

There is still a trace/smell of smoke left in the room.

Olor vs. Rastro

Learners often use 'olor' when they mean a specific, traceable scent. Remember that 'rastro' implies a strong, lingering odor, like a trail or scent left behind, whereas 'olor' is the general perception of any smell.

Related Translations

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