In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe any highly unpleasant or offensive odor.
- Works in both casual and semi-formal everyday situations.
- A direct way to express sensory discomfort or disgust.
Meaning
You use this to describe a scent that is truly unpleasant, gross, or overwhelming. It is the go-to way to complain about anything from spoiled milk to a smelly locker room.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discovering old food in the fridge
Nossa, que terrível cheiro vem desta geladeira!
Wow, what a terrible smell is coming from this fridge!
Walking past a garbage bin in the sun
Este lixo está com um terrível cheiro hoje.
This trash has a terrible smell today.
Reporting a maintenance issue at the office
Há um terrível cheiro vindo do banheiro do segundo andar.
There is a terrible smell coming from the second-floor bathroom.
Cultural Background
Brazilians are extremely sensitive to 'cheiro de suor' (sweat smell). Using 'terrível cheiro' to describe someone's hygiene is a very serious matter. In Portuguese markets, the smell of 'bacalhau' (dried cod) is ubiquitous. While some might call it a 'terrível cheiro', for many Portuguese, it's the smell of home. In Luanda, the 'terrível cheiro' of the 'lixeiras' (trash heaps) is a common topic in music and social commentary regarding urban development. Coastal areas often deal with the 'terrível cheiro' of rotting seaweed or fish during certain seasons, which affects tourism.
The 'Que' Trick
If you want to sound like a native, just say 'Que cheiro!' with a disgusted face. You don't even need the word 'terrível'—the context and your face do the work.
Gender Matters
Never use 'uma' with 'cheiro'. It's a very common mistake for English and Spanish speakers.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe any highly unpleasant or offensive odor.
- Works in both casual and semi-formal everyday situations.
- A direct way to express sensory discomfort or disgust.
What It Means
Terrível cheiro is a direct way to talk about a bad odor. It is not just 'bad'—it is 'terrible.' It implies the smell is strong enough to make you want to leave the room. You are describing something that is objectively offensive to the nose.
How To Use It
You can use it as a standalone observation or within a sentence. Usually, you will say Que terrível cheiro! (What a terrible smell!). You can also use it with the verb estar to describe a place. For example, Está um terrível cheiro aqui (There is a terrible smell in here). It is very flexible and easy to plug into conversations.
When To Use It
Use it whenever your nose is unhappy. It works at a restaurant if the fish is off. It works at home if the trash needs taking out. You can use it with friends when walking past a construction site. It is a very common, everyday expression for any unpleasant sensory experience.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it to describe a person’s perfume, even if you hate it. That would be very rude! Also, do not use it in highly formal culinary reviews. In those cases, use odor desagradável. It is a bit too blunt for a first date or a black-tie gala. Unless, of course, the lobster is actually rotten.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers are generally very expressive about their senses. We love good food and fresh air. Because of this, we are equally vocal when something smells bad. There is no 'polite' way to ignore a bad smell in a casual setting. It is part of the honest, open communication style found in Brazil and Portugal.
Common Variations
You will often hear cheiro horrível which is even stronger. Some people might just say que carniça if it smells like something died. For a milder version, you can say cheiro ruim. If you want to be more 'proper', you might use mau cheiro. But terrível cheiro hits that perfect sweet spot of being clear and dramatic.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for most contexts. Be careful with word order; 'terrível cheiro' sounds slightly more poetic or emphatic than 'cheiro terrível'.
The 'Que' Trick
If you want to sound like a native, just say 'Que cheiro!' with a disgusted face. You don't even need the word 'terrível'—the context and your face do the work.
Gender Matters
Never use 'uma' with 'cheiro'. It's a very common mistake for English and Spanish speakers.
Examples
6Nossa, que terrível cheiro vem desta geladeira!
Wow, what a terrible smell is coming from this fridge!
A very common household exclamation.
Este lixo está com um terrível cheiro hoje.
This trash has a terrible smell today.
Describing an external object's state.
Há um terrível cheiro vindo do banheiro do segundo andar.
There is a terrible smell coming from the second-floor bathroom.
Professional but direct about a problem.
Cara, limpa a pia! Está um terrível cheiro na cozinha.
Dude, clean the sink! There's a terrible smell in the kitchen.
Used to prompt action from a friend.
O Totó tomou chuva e agora está com esse terrível cheiro!
Totó got caught in the rain and now he has this terrible smell!
Lighthearted complaining about a pet.
É triste ver o rio assim, com esse terrível cheiro.
It is sad to see the river like this, with this terrible smell.
Used to express sadness or disappointment.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the words.
O lixo da cozinha está com um ________ ________.
We need the noun 'cheiro' and the adjective 'terrível'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct option:
'Cheiro' is masculine singular, so it takes 'O' and 'é'.
Match the situation to the best reaction.
You walk into a room where someone is smoking and you hate it.
'Terrível' is the appropriate response for a smell you dislike intensely.
Fill in the missing line.
Ana: 'Nossa, você sentiu isso?' Pedro: 'Sim, ________.'
'Um cheiro' is masculine. 'É' or 'está' can both work, but 'é um' is the most standard here.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Common Sources of a Terrível Cheiro
Kitchen
- • Lixo
- • Peixe podre
- • Leite vencido
City
- • Esgoto
- • Poluição
- • Lixeira
Practice Bank
4 exercisesO lixo da cozinha está com um ________ ________.
We need the noun 'cheiro' and the adjective 'terrível'.
Choose the correct option:
'Cheiro' is masculine singular, so it takes 'O' and 'é'.
You walk into a room where someone is smoking and you hate it.
'Terrível' is the appropriate response for a smell you dislike intensely.
Ana: 'Nossa, você sentiu isso?' Pedro: 'Sim, ________.'
'Um cheiro' is masculine. 'É' or 'está' can both work, but 'é um' is the most standard here.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt's very rude. Better to say 'Ele não está cheirando bem' (He's not smelling good) or use a specific term like 'suor'.
'Fedor' is more informal and stronger. 'Cheiro terrível' is more descriptive and can be used in any situation.
No, 'horroroso' or 'insuportável' (unbearable) are even stronger.
No, 'cheiro' is neutral. You can have a 'cheiro bom' (good smell) or 'cheiro de perfume'.
Related Phrases
mau cheiro
similarbad smell
fedor
synonymstench
cheiro de queimado
specialized formsmell of something burning
cheiro maravilhoso
contrastwonderful smell
