alingasaw
alingásaw with stress marks
strong unpleasant smell
Usage Note
Alingasaw describes a powerful, offensive odor — often from garbage, rotting food, or unwashed items — implying something more pungent and lingering than a simple amoy. Filipinos commonly use it to complain about foul smells in enclosed spaces or markets.
Examples
" May alingasaw ang basurahan. "
Natural Translation
The trash can has a foul smell.
Literal Translation
Has strong-smell the trash-can.
" Naaamoy ko ang alingasaw ng basura sa kalsada. "
Natural Translation
I can smell the stench of the garbage on the street.
Literal Translation
Smells I the strong-smell of-the garbage on-the street.
" Sumakit ang ulo ko sa alingasaw ng nabubulok na isda na hindi itinapon ng mga kapitbahay. "
Natural Translation
My head started to ache from the stench of the rotting fish that the neighbors did not throw away.
Literal Translation
Ached the head my from-the strong-smell of-the rotting fish that not thrown-away by-the neighbors.
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