Pungent Meaning in English
word
ˈpəndʒənt
PUN-jent
pˈʌndʒənt
PUN-jent
Definition
Describes a strong, sharp smell or taste that is often spicy or irritating. Can refer to things like strong cheese, onions, or sarcasm in language.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used for strong smells (onions, garlic, spices) and tastes (very spicy or sharp). Can also describe language that's biting or sarcastic. 'Pungent' is more about intensity and irritation than just 'strong'. Not used for pleasant floral scents.
Spanish: picante - penetrante (olor) - acre (olor/sabor)Portuguese (BR): picante - penetrante (cheiro/sabor)Portuguese (PT): picante - penetrante (cheiro/sabor)Chinese (Simplified): 刺鼻 - 辛辣 (味道)Chinese (Traditional): 刺鼻 - 辛辣 (味道)Hindi: तीक्ष्ण (गंध/स्वाद) - चुभता हुआArabic: حاد - لاذع (رائحة/طعم)Bengali: তীব্র (গন্ধ/স্বাদ) - কটু (ব্যঙ্গ)Russian: резкий (запах/вкус) - едкий (замечание)Japanese: 刺激的な（匂い・味） - 辛辣な（言葉）Vietnamese: hăng - cay nồng - sắc bén (ngôn từ)Korean: 매운 (냄새/맛) - 자극적인 (말)Turkish: keskin (koku/tat) - dokunaklı (söz)Urdu: تیز (بو/ذائقہ) - کٹیلی (گفتگو)Indonesian: tajam (bau/rasa) - pedas (ucapan)
Example Sentences
The cheese has a pungent smell.
basic
She couldn't eat the pungent garlic.
basic
There was a pungent odor in the room.
basic
Her remarks were as pungent as chili peppers.
natural
The sauce is too pungent for me—my mouth is burning!
natural
Something pungent hit me the moment I opened the fridge.
natural