целую и обнимаю
tseluyu i obnimayu
The English phrase 'hugs and kisses' is translated into Russian as целую и обнимаю (tseluyu i obnimayu).
целую и обнимаю is a warm closing used in letters or messages to express affection to a friend or family member.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally 'I kiss and I hug'.
Which one should you use?
While English uses nouns (hugs and kisses), the Russian equivalent uses verbs (I kiss and I hug).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
целую и обнимаю is informal and should only be used with friends, family or romantic partners. For even more informal and playful variations, you might see Обнимашки! used for 'hugs' or Целую! used to mean 'I'm sending you a kiss'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both verbs are in the first-person singular present tense.
How do you pronounce it?
tseluyu i obnimayu
Did you know?
- The word обнимаю shares a root with the word for 'perimeter' or 'circle' in other Slavic languages, reflecting the idea of encircling someone with arms.
- While 'hugs and kisses' is often used by all genders in English, a Russian man using целую might be perceived as much more intensely romantic or even overly sentimental depending on the relationship.
- While целую и обнимаю uses verbs, the playful version Обнимашки! turns the action into a noun, creating a 'cute' diminutive form that sounds like baby talk.
Examples in context
- Целую и обнимаю тебя, дорогая!Tseluyu i obnimayu tebya, dorogaya!Hugs and kisses to you, dear!
- Передавай всем привет, целую и обнимаю.Peredavay vsem privet, tseluyu i obnimayu.Give everyone my best, hugs and kisses.
- До скорой встречи, целую и обнимаю!Do skoroy vstrechi, tseluyu i obnimayu!See you soon, hugs and kisses!
Example conversation
Dmitry is writing a quick goodbye text to Anastasia.
- Анастасия AnastasiaДмитрий, ты скоро приедешь?Dmitry, ty skoro priyedesh?Dmitry, are you coming soon?
- Дмитрий DmitryДа, я скоро буду на месте.Da, ya skoro budu na meste.Yes, I will be there soon.
- Анастасия AnastasiaХорошо, жду тебя. Целую и обнимаю!Khorosho, zhdu tebya. Tseluyu i obnimayu!Good, I'm waiting for you. Hugs and kisses!
- Дмитрий DmitryСпасибо, Анастасия, до встречи.Spasibo, Anastasiya, do vstrechi.Thanks, Anastasia, see you.
