The word “stinky” in English can be translated to “apestante” or “maloliente” in Spanish. These words can be used to describe unpleasant smells or odors, such as those caused by rotting food or dirty laundry.

The word “apestante” is an adjective that comes from the verb “apestarse,” which means “to stink.” It is a strong word that conveys a powerful and unpleasant smell, one that is difficult to bear. This word can be used to describe any kind of smell that is unpleasant, from body odor to bad breath to sewage.
On the other hand, “maloliente” is also an adjective that describes a foul or offensive smell. This word is less intense than “apestante” but still communicates an unpleasant odor. It can be used to describe a range of smells, from mildew to gasoline to spoiled milk.
There are other words in Spanish that can also be used to describe unpleasant smells, depending on the context and the intensity of the odor. For example, “fétido” is an adjective that describes a strong and offensive smell, such as that of decaying flesh or sewage. “Apestoso” is another adjective that can be used to describe a bad smell, especially one that is persistent and difficult to get rid of.
In addition to these adjectives, there are also verbs and expressions that can be used to talk about unpleasant smells in Spanish. For example, “heder” is a verb that means “to stink” or “to reek.” This verb can be used in a variety of contexts, such as when talking about a smelly room or a bad odor coming from the garbage.
Another expression that can be used to describe a bad smell is “oler a podrido,” which means “to smell like something rotten.” This expression is often used to describe the smell of food that has gone bad, such as meat or fish.
In some cases, it may be necessary to use more specific vocabulary to describe a particular smell. For example, “achicharrado” is an adjective that describes a burnt or charred smell, such as that of overcooked food or electrical wires that have shorted out.
Similarly, “mohoso” is an adjective that describes a musty or moldy smell, such as that of old books or damp clothing. “Químico” is an adjective that describes a chemical or artificial smell, such as that of cleaning products or gasoline.
It’s important to note that the choice of words used to describe a smell can vary depending on the region or country in which Spanish is spoken. Some words may be more commonly used in certain regions than in others, and there may also be regional variations in the meaning or usage of certain words.
In conclusion, “apestante” and “maloliente” are two of the most common words used to describe a stinky smell in Spanish. However, there are many other adjectives, verbs, and expressions that can be used depending on the context and the intensity of the odor. It’s important to choose the right word or expression to communicate the exact meaning you want to convey.