besos
/besos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "bisous" can be translated into Spanish as besos.
besos is an informal way to say goodbye or to show affection, meaning "kisses".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may hear the term un achuchón to refer to a tight hug or squeeze. In Argentina, the informal phrase un besote is used to express a big kiss.
How do you pronounce it?
/besos/
Did you know?
- While besos are common, in many Spanish-speaking cultures, a single kiss on the cheek is used as a standard greeting between women or between a man and a woman, even among strangers or business acquaintances.
- In Spain, the order of the cheek kisses varies by region, but the most common standard is to start with the right cheek and then the left.
- While besos refers to the act of kissing, if you want to refer to the 'sound' of a kiss in a playful or onomatopoeic way, you might use the word muac.
Examples in context
- Muchos besos para la familia.Many kisses for the family.
- Te mando muchos besos.I send you many kisses.
- Dale besos al bebé de mi parte.Give kisses to the baby for me.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are saying goodbye over the phone.
- LucíaBueno, me tengo que ir, Mateo.Well, I have to go, Mateo.
- MateoVale, hablamos luego. Muchos besos.Okay, we'll talk later. Many kisses.
- LucíaBesos, cuídate mucho.Kisses, take good care of yourself.
- MateoIgualmente, hasta pronto.You too, see you soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
