The idiom that has nothing to do with smell.
Ne pas pouvoir sentir quelqu’un means you cannot stand them: « je ne peux pas le sentir ». Taken literally it is about smell; in use it is pure dislike, and it is strong. Recognise it before you use it.
Sentir le sapin — to smell of fir, the wood of coffins — means to be on one’s last legs. And ne pas se sentir bien can mean either to feel unwell or, said pointedly, that someone is being unreasonable: « tu ne te sens pas bien ? »
💡 Focus at this level: Idiomatic — can’t stand someone
1. « Je ne peux pas le sentir » = I can’t stand him. Strong.
2. « Tu te sens pas bien ? » can be a challenge, not concern. Tone decides.
3. « Sentir le sapin » is dark humour.
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