busu
The Swahili word for "kiss" is busu.
busu refers to a touch with the lips as a noun.
Meaning: a touch with the lips (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun busu can be converted into a verb by adding a subject prefix to the stem -busu. The infinitive form for the verb "to kiss" is kubusu.
Did you know?
- In many traditional East African cultures where Swahili is spoken, kissing on the lips is historically viewed as a private or Western act rather than a public greeting.
- The word busu shares an ancestral root with the Persian word bōsa, meaning 'kiss'.
- In some coastal Swahili contexts, a kiss on the forehead or hand is used to show deep respect to elders, which differs from the romantic connotation of busu.
Examples in context
- Nina busu chini ya miguu yako.I kiss the ground beneath your feet.This sentence demonstrates the use of busu to describe kissing the ground.Tatoeba #10883991 by ecorralest101, translation #6056944 by mailohilohi
- Busu yako ni machungu na mihadarati.Your kiss is bitter with cocaine.This sentence shows how busu can be used to describe the qualities of a kiss.Tatoeba #10863695 by ecorralest101, translation #3605158 by aneris6
- Zawadi kubwa ni busu kutoka kwa binti mfalme.The grand prize is a kiss from the princess.This sentence uses busu to describe a kiss received as a prize.Tatoeba #10845744 by ecorralest101, translation #2038382 by JarHead54321
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A romantic evening at a park.
- FatumaUnanipa busu tamu leo?Will you give me a sweet kiss today?
- JumaNdiyo, mwanamke wangu mpendwa.Yes, my beloved woman.
- FatumaAh, busu lako ni la ajabu.Ah, your kiss is wonderful.
- JumaNakupenda sana, Fatuma.I love you very much, Fatuma.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kiss” translations and entries busu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries busu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
