beso
/ˈbeso/masculine
The Spanish word for kiss is beso. Wiktionary also lists ósculo.
Meaning: a touch with the lips (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| beso | /ˈbeso/ | masculine |
| ósculo | /ˈoskulo/ | masculine |
A beso is a touch with the lips. You can also use the verb besar to mean to touch with the lips, or the reflexive verb besarse when describing two people kissing each other.
Which one should you use?
While beso is the standard word for a kiss, ósculo is a highly formal or literary term that is rarely used in daily conversation.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of beso is besos. Use the reflexive verb besarse when the action involves two people kissing each other.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbeso/
When do people say it?
The plural form besos is commonly used as a sign-off in letters or messages, much like how English speakers might use 'kisses'. You may also hear the word piquito used to refer specifically to a gentle and quick kiss.
Did you know?
- In Spain, the social custom of dos besos involves touching cheeks rather than kissing the lips, starting with the right cheek first.
- The formal term ósculo is the direct descendant of the Latin diminutive ōsculum, which literally translates to 'little mouth'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a beso on the forehead or hand is a traditional sign of deep respect or protection rather than romantic love.
Examples in context
- ¿Un beso o dos?One kiss or two?This sentence shows how to ask about the quantity of beso.Tatoeba #2690500 by marcelostockle, translation #2690321 by fekundulo
- Dale un beso a Tom.Give Tom a kiss.This sentence demonstrates how to use beso when giving a kiss to someone.Tatoeba #2256269 by marcelostockle, translation #1877596 by CK
- Venga, dame un beso.Come on, give me a kiss.This sentence is a common way to ask someone to give you a beso.Tatoeba #7979740 by Seael, translation #2718088 by Hybrid
- Solo quería darte un beso.I just wanted to give you a kiss.
- Me gustaría besarte en la mejilla.I would like to kiss you on the cheek.
- Saluda a tu tía con un piquito.Greet your aunt with a little kiss.
- 85 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are saying goodbye after a date.
- ElenaFue una noche muy linda, Alejandro.It was a very lovely night, Alejandro.
- AlejandroYo también me divertí mucho.I had a lot of fun too.
- ElenaDame un beso antes de irte.Give me a kiss before you leave.
- AlejandroClaro que sí, Elena.Of course, Elena.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kiss” translations and entries beso, ósculo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries beso, ósculo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
