bisous
The English phrase "kiss kiss" can be translated into French as bisous.
bisous is an informal way to say goodbye or to end a message to someone you love or like.
Which one should you use?
bisous is much more casual and affectionate than the more formal embrassades or the standard je vous embrasse.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
bisous is strictly informal and is used with friends or family. For a more formal way to convey a warm sentiment when bidding farewell or sending regards, you can use Je vous embrasse.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Provence region of southern France, bécots is often used to mean little kisses.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is bisou.
When do people say it?
When greeting people, customs vary by location: in Paris, two kisses on the cheek are customary, whereas in Marseille, three kisses on the cheek might be the norm.
Did you know?
- The word bisou carries a much more 'cute' or 'childlike' connotation than the standard word for a kiss, baiser, which has evolved to become a vulgar term for intercourse.
- While bisous is purely verbal or written, the physical act of the 'la bise' (the cheek kiss) often involves no actual contact between the lips and the skin.
- In some French rural areas, it is traditional to start the cheek-kissing ritual on the left side, while in others, the right side is preferred.
Examples in context
- Allez, je pars, bisous !Alright, I'm leaving, kiss kiss!
- Bonne nuit, gros bisous.Good night, big kisses.
- À demain, bisous.See you tomorrow, kiss kiss.
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are ending a phone call in the evening.
- ChloéJe dois te laisser maintenant, Hugo.I have to leave you now, Hugo.
- HugoD'accord, on se parle demain.Okay, we'll talk tomorrow.
- ChloéOui, bisous !Yes, kiss kiss!
- HugoBisous, Chloé.Kiss kiss, Chloé.
