Ways to say it
| Hindi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| पप्पी | pappī | /pəp.piː/ (Hindi, Standard) |
| चुम्मा | cummā | /t͡ʃʊm.mɑː/ (Hindi, Standard) |
| बब्बी | babbī | /bəb.biː/ (Hindi, Standard) |
| चुंबा | cumbā | /t͡ʃʊm.bɑː/ (Hindi, Standard) |
| बोसा | bosā | /boː.sɑː/ (Hindi, Standard) |
| मिट्ठा | miṭṭhā | /mɪʈ.ʈʰɑː/ (Hindi, Standard) |
| प्यार | pyār | /pjɑːɾ/ (Hindi, Standard) |
| बोस | bos |
The various forms of the word are used to describe a touch with the lips. While some terms refer specifically to the physical act, others like प्यार mean 'love' and, although used in romantic contexts, are not direct synonyms for the physical act of a kiss. To express the verb 'to kiss' using the noun चुम्मा, you typically use the phrase चुम्मा देना (to give a kiss).
Which one should you use?
The words in the pack range from cute and childish to formal and literary. पप्पी is a cute or childish term, while चुम्मा is a common colloquial term. For formal or literary contexts, the standard term is चुम्बन. Note that प्यार means 'love' and is distinct from the physical act of a kiss.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a formal or literary setting, use चुम्बन. In casual, everyday conversation, चुम्मा is a popular colloquial choice. If you want to sound cute or are speaking in a childish way, use पप्पी.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the action of kissing using the noun चुम्मा, use the construction चुम्मा देना, which translates to 'to give a kiss'.
How do you pronounce it?
The default form पप्पी is pronounced /pəp.piː/ and has two syllables.
Did you know?
- The form बोसा is actually a loanword from Persian, showing how historical invasions and cultural exchanges shaped the Hindi vocabulary for romance.
- In some Indian poetic traditions, the word for 'kiss' is often replaced by metaphors for 'sweets' or 'honey' to maintain a sense of modesty and elegance.
- The word चुम्मा is a linguistic relative of the Romani word 'chumi', which is used by many different groups across Europe and Asia.
Examples in context
- एक चुम्मा या दो?One kiss or two?This sentence shows how to ask for a specific number of kisses using the form चुम्मा.Tatoeba #3666708 by sabretou, translation #2690321 by fekundulo
- चुम्मा देनाTo kissThis phrase demonstrates how to express the verb 'to kiss' using the form चुम्मा.
- क्या मैं आपको एक चुम्बन दे सकता हूँ?May I give you a kiss?
- अच्छा चल, एक चुम्मा ले ले!Come on, give me a kiss!
- बच्चे को एक पप्पी चाहिए।bacche ko ek pappi chahiye.The baby wants a kiss.
Example conversation
A mother is saying goodbye to her child.
- पूजा Poojaचलो, अब एक पप्पी दो।Chalo, ab ek pappi do.Come on, give me a kiss now.
- अमित Amitठीक है, माँ।Thik hai, maa.Okay, mom.
- पूजा Poojaअब स्कूल जाओ।Ab school jao.Now go to school.
- अमित Amitबाय बाय!Bye bye!Bye bye!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kiss” translations and entries पप्पी, चुम्मा, बब्बी, चुंबा, बोसा, मिट्ठा, प्यार, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries चुंबा, चुम्मा, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
