What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally kisses and hugs, which is the reverse order of the English phrase "hugs and kisses".
Which one should you use?
While beijos e abraços is intended for friends and family, the word atenciosamente is the standard formal way to end a professional letter or email.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Beijos e abraços is an informal sign-off used for people you have a close or affectionate relationship with. Other informal variations include Mandando beijos e abraços (sending kisses and hugs) and Um abração com beijinhos (a big hug with little kisses).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the informal phrase Beijos e abraços bem apertados means "tight hugs and kisses".
How does it change in a sentence?
Using the singular forms beijo e abraço is also common in informal written sign-offs.
Did you know?
- While beijos e abraços is for writing, in person, Brazilians often greet with beijos by touching cheeks, but the number of kisses varies by city. In São Paulo, one kiss is standard, while in Rio de Janeiro, two are common.
- In some regions of Brazil, the phrase um beijo is used as a way to say 'goodbye' even to people you have never met, such as a cashier or a waiter, if the interaction was friendly.
- The word abraço (hug) is so versatile that men often use um abraço as a friendly sign-off with other men, even in semi-professional contexts where beijos would be too intimate.
Examples in context
- Beijos e abraços.Hugs and kisses.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase beijos e abraços.Tatoeba #11394430 by MrJuice, translation #10713014 by vxern
- Oi amiga! Beijos e abraços! Mal posso esperar para te ver.Hi friend! Kisses and hugs! Can't wait to see you.
- Tchau, beijos e abraços!Bye, hugs and kisses!
- Mande beijos e abraços para todos.Give hugs and kisses to everyone.
Example conversation
Lucas is texting Mariana to say goodbye after their video call.
- LucasAté amanhã, Mariana!See you tomorrow, Mariana!
- MarianaTchau, Lucas. Até!Bye, Lucas. See you!
- LucasBeijos e abraços!Hugs and kisses!
- MarianaBeijos!Kisses!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
