bewsa
/ˈbɛw.sa/feminine
The Maltese word for 'kiss' (noun) is bewsa.
bewsa refers to the act of a touch with the lips.
Meaning: a touch with the lips (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
bewsa is a feminine noun. To express the action of kissing as a verb, use the related form bies.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈbɛw.sa/.
Did you know?
- The word bewsa is inherited from the Arabic word bawsa, which in turn comes from the Classical Persian word bōsa.
- In Maltese culture, a bewsa on the cheek is a common greeting among women and between men and women, often performed as two or three alternating kisses.
- The root of bewsa is shared with other Arabic dialects, but the pronunciation in Maltese has evolved uniquely due to the influence of Italian and English over centuries.
Example sentences for Maltese are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Maria and Kurt are saying goodbye at the door.
- MariaSajnejk, Kurt!I miss you, Kurt!
- KurtJien ukoll, Maria.Me too, Maria.
- MariaAgħtini bewsa rapida.Give me a quick kiss.
- KurtHawn hi, bewsa kbira!Here it is, a big kiss!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kiss” translations and entries bewsa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bewsa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
