Ways to say it
| Moroccan Arabic | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| بوسة | bosa | |
| بوس | bus | the verb, to kiss |
بوسة is the noun, as in عطاها بوسة, 'he gave her a kiss'. The verb بوس (bus) is used for the action itself, بّاسها (bbesha), 'he kissed her'.
What does it mean word for word?
Both بوسة and بوس come from the same root for kissing found across Arabic dialects, just adapted to Darija pronunciation.
Which one should you use?
بوسة names a single kiss as an event or object. The verb form changes depending on who kisses whom and is not interchangeable with the noun.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Both are casual, everyday words used between family and close friends.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The words are used across Morocco with the same meaning.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural بوسات (bosat) is used for more than one kiss, as in عطاها بوسات بزاف, 'he gave her lots of kisses'.
How do you pronounce it?
The o sound is long, like English 'oh': BO-sa.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Learners sometimes confuse the noun بوسة with the verb forms of بوس. They share a root but are used in different parts of a sentence.
When do people say it?
A kiss on both cheeks, بوسة فالخدين, is the common Moroccan greeting between women, and between men who are close friends or family, rather than only a romantic gesture.
Did you know?
- Among Moroccan women, greeting with a kiss on both cheeks is routine even for a first meeting, not only for close friends.
- The number of cheek kisses in a Moroccan greeting can vary by region and family, usually two but sometimes more between very close relatives.
Examples in context
- عطاتو بوسة فجبينو.3tatu bosa f jbinu.She gave him a kiss on the forehead.
- سلمو عليها بوسة فالخدين.sellmu 3liha bosa f lkhddin.They greeted her with a kiss on both cheeks.
- الطفل بّاس يدّ جدو.ttfel bbes yedd jeddu.The child kissed his grandfather's hand.
Example conversation
Two friends, Nawal and Sara, meet at a wedding in Fes.
- Nawalسلام سارة! شحال من الزمان!salam Sara! shhal men zzman!Hi Sara! It's been so long!
- Saraسلام نوال!salam Nawal!Hi Nawal!
- Nawalهاك بوسة فالخدين.hak bosa f lkhddin.Here, a kiss on both cheeks.
- Saraمرحبا بيك، فرحانة بيك هنا.mrehba bik, ferhana bik hna.Welcome, I'm so happy you're here.
