gros bisou
gros bisou is the French way to say big kiss.
gros bisou is an affectionate expression used as a warm closing or greeting for friends and family.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of gros (big/large) and bisou (kiss).
Which one should you use?
While bisou is informal, the word baiser also means kiss. However, baiser is much more formal or can be highly sexual/vulgar depending on context. Use bisou for friendly affection.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
gros bisou is an informal and affectionate way to end a message or a conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
In text messages or emails, it is very common to add an exclamation mark to the end of the phrase, such as Gros bisous !, to convey warmth.
Did you know?
- In France, the physical act of performing the 'bisous' (cheek kisses) follows strict social rules regarding how many are given and which side is started on, unlike the spoken phrase itself.
- The word gros traces its lineage back to the Latin word grossus, which originally referred to something thick or heavy.
- In French text messaging, people often shorten gros bisous to gb or bisous to speed up the conversation while maintaining the same level of warmth.
Examples in context
- Je vous envoie un gros bisou de Paris!I'm sending you a big kiss from Paris!
- J'ai hâte de te revoir! Gros bisou!I can't wait to see you! Big kiss!
- Un gros bisou pour toi.A big kiss for you.
- Allez, gros bisou, à demain !Anyway, big kiss, see you tomorrow!
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are saying goodbye on the phone.
- GabrielC'était super de te parler, Emma.It was great talking to you, Emma.
- EmmaMoi aussi, Gabriel. À bientôt !Me too, Gabriel. See you soon!
- GabrielAllez, gros bisou !Anyway, big kiss!
- EmmaGros bisou, salut !Big kiss, bye!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bisou, gros, CC BY-SA 4.0.
