beso
/ˈbeso/masculine
In Spanish, "kiss" is beso. Wiktionary also lists ósculo.
Meaning: a touch with the lips (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| beso | /ˈbeso/ | masculine |
| ósculo | /ˈoskulo/ | masculine |
A beso refers to a touch with the lips. You may also encounter besito, which is an affectionate term for a small or gentle kiss or the phrase beso en la mejilla to specify a "cheek kiss".
Which one should you use?
beso is the standard, everyday word for kiss, whereas ósculo is a highly formal or literary term used almost exclusively in poetry or very old-fashioned writing.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun beso becomes besos in its plural form. To express the action of kissing, you can use besar (to touch with the lips) or the reflexive form besarse to indicate that two or more people are kissing each other.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbeso/
When do people say it?
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying un beso is a common way to say goodbye to friends or family members.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the phrase tirar un beso literally translates to 'to throw a kiss', used when blowing a kiss from a distance.
- If you are in a very formal setting, such as a high-society event in Spain or Latin America, you might hear the phrase besamanos, which refers to the custom of kissing a hand.
- In Spain, the common greeting involves dos besos, one on each cheek, but these are usually just brushes of the cheeks rather than actual lip contact.
Examples in context
- ¿Un beso o dos?One kiss or two?This sentence shows how to ask a question using beso.Tatoeba #2690500 by marcelostockle, translation #2690321 by fekundulo
- Dale un beso a Tom.Give Tom a kiss.This sentence demonstrates how to use beso when giving an instruction.Tatoeba #2256269 by marcelostockle, translation #1877596 by CK
- Venga, dame un beso.Come on, give me a kiss.This sentence uses beso in a casual request.Tatoeba #7979740 by Seael, translation #2718088 by Hybrid
- Le di un beso de despedida a mi abuela.I gave my grandmother a goodbye kiss.
- En algunos países, es costumbre dar un beso en la mejilla al saludar.In some countries, it is customary to give a cheek kiss when greeting.
- En ciertas culturas, el saludo con un beso es una forma común de mostrar afecto.In certain cultures, greeting with a kiss is a common way to show affection.
- Mi hermana me dio un besito antes de irse a dormir.My sister gave me a little kiss before going to bed.
- Mi novio siempre me da un besote antes de decir adiós.My boyfriend always gives me a big kiss before saying goodbye.
- 85 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is saying goodbye at the train station.
- JavierMaría, te voy a extrañar mucho.Maria, I am going to miss you very much.
- MaríaYo también, Javier. ¿Un beso de despedida?Me too, Javier. A goodbye kiss?
- JavierClaro, dame un beso.Of course, give me a kiss.
- MaríaAdiós, mi amor.Goodbye, my love.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kiss” translations and entries beso, ósculo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
