Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| beso | /ˈbeso/ | masculine |
| ósculo | /ˈoskulo/ | masculine |
The word refers to a touch with the lips. You can use the verb besar to mean 'to kiss' or the reflexive verb besarse to mean 'to kiss each other'.
Which one should you use?
While beso is the standard word for a kiss, ósculo is a highly formal or literary term used primarily in poetry or formal writing.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
beso is the common, standard term. ósculo is very formal. If you want to use slang to refer to a passionate or intense kiss, you can use chapar.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of beso is besos. The reflexive form besarse is used when two or more people are kissing each other.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbeso/
When do people say it?
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying un beso is a common way to say goodbye to friends or family members, often accompanied by a light touch of the cheeks. When greeting, it is customary to give a kiss on the cheek.
Did you know?
- In Spain, the custom of greeting with dos besos involves one kiss on each cheek, but in most Latin American countries, a single beso on the right cheek is the standard.
- Saying un beso is often used as a polite way to end a phone call or a letter, serving as a warmer version of 'best wishes' or 'regards'.
- The formal word ósculo comes from the Latin word ōsculum, which is a diminutive of ōs, meaning 'mouth'.
Examples in context
- ¿Un beso o dos?One kiss or two?This sentence is useful for asking how many of the form beso someone wants.Tatoeba #2690500 by marcelostockle, translation #2690321 by fekundulo
- Dale un beso a Tom.Give Tom a kiss.This sentence shows how to use the form beso to tell someone to give a kiss to another person.Tatoeba #2256269 by marcelostockle, translation #1877596 by CK
- Venga, dame un beso.Come on, give me a kiss.This sentence illustrates using the form beso when asking someone to give you a kiss.Tatoeba #7979740 by Seael, translation #2718088 by Hybrid
- Me encantaría besarte.I would love to kiss you.
- Ven aquí y dame un beso.Come here and give me a kiss.
- Ayer mi mamá me dio un beso de buenas noches.Yesterday, my mom gave me a goodnight kiss.
- 85 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are saying goodbye at the door.
- SofíaMe voy, Daniel. Dame un beso.I'm leaving, Daniel. Give me a kiss.
- DanielClaro, aquí tienes tu beso.Of course, here is your kiss.
- SofíaGracias, fue un beso muy dulce.Thank you, it was a very sweet kiss.
- DanielQue tengas un buen día, Sofía.Have a great day, Sofía.
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.
