поцелу́й
pocelújmasculine
The English word 'kiss' is translated into Russian as поцелу́й (pocelúj).
The word refers to a touch with the lips.
Meaning: a touch with the lips (noun)
Which one should you use?
поцелу́й is the noun meaning 'a kiss', whereas the related verb целова́ться is used to describe the action of kissing.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of поцелу́й is поцелу́и.
How do you pronounce it?
pocelúj
Did you know?
- In Russian culture, the traditional 'kiss' for greeting friends or family is often given on the cheek, but it is traditionally three times instead of two.
- Russian speakers may use the word чмо́к as an onomatopoeic alternative to поцелу́й to describe a quick, smacking kiss on the cheek.
- The root of the word is related to the idea of 'to press' or 'to squeeze', reflecting the physical contact involved in the act.
Examples in context
- Можно на прощание попросить поцелуй?May I ask for a kiss goodbye?
- Я хочу тебя поцеловатьI want to kiss you
- Дай мне поцелуйGive me a kiss
- Чмокни меняGive me a smooch
- Это был нежный поцелу́й.Eto byl nezhnyy potseluy.It was a gentle kiss.
- Короткий поцелу́й перед уходом.Korotkiy potseluy pered ukhodom.A short kiss before leaving.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kiss” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
