bise
/biz/
The English phrase "kiss on the cheek" is bise in French.
The term bise refers specifically to the ritualized social greeting of kissing on the cheek. While it can generally mean a kiss, in a social context, it is used to describe this specific custom. To express the act of performing this greeting, speakers use the phrase faire la bise.
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish la bise from un baiser. While la bise is a social greeting on the cheek, un baiser typically refers to a romantic kiss on the lips.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions of Belgium, it is common to exchange three kisses on the cheek instead of two. In France, the number of bises exchanged can vary by region, typically ranging from two to four.
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe the action of greeting someone with a cheek kiss, use the verb faire (to do/make) with la bise, resulting in the phrase faire la bise.
How do you pronounce it?
/biz/
When do people say it?
The number of bises exchanged during the greeting depends on the specific region of France. Generally, people exchange between two and four kisses.
Did you know?
- While la bise is a friendly greeting, using the word baiser to describe the act can be risky because it is also a vulgar slang term for sexual intercourse.
- In a surprising linguistic coincidence, the word bise can also refer to a cold, strong north-easterly wind in France.
- The term bise is etymologically linked to the Proto-Germanic word for 'shivering'.
Examples in context
- Elle m'a donné la bise pour me saluer.She gave me a kiss on the cheek to greet me.
- Les enfants font la bise à leur grand-mère.The children give their grandmother a kiss on the cheek.
Example conversation
Two friends meeting at a cafe.
- ManonSalut Gabriel ! On se fait la bise ?Hi Gabriel! Shall we do the cheek kiss?
- GabrielOui, bien sûr ! Ça fait longtemps.Yes, of course! It has been a long time.
- ManonC'est vrai. Comment vas-tu ?It is true. How are you doing?
- GabrielJe vais très bien, merci Manon.I am doing very well, thank you Manon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bise, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bise, CC BY-SA 4.0.
