t'embrasser
The English phrase 'kiss you' is translated into French as t'embrasser.
In modern French, while the verb can mean to embrace, it is the standard way to say 'to kiss' on the lips or the cheeks. There are several related ways to express affection, such as Je vous envoie un baiser (I send you a kiss) or Je vous souhaite plein de bisous (I wish you lots of kisses).
What does it mean word for word?
The verb embrasser means 'to embrace' or 'to kiss'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form t'embrasser uses the informal object pronoun te (which contracts to t') to refer to 'you'. This is used specifically when speaking to a friend, a family member or a romantic partner.
When do people say it?
In French culture, cheek-kissing is a common practice for greetings or farewells. The number of kisses exchanged can vary from one to four depending on the specific region.
Did you know?
- The term un baiser refers to the noun 'a kiss', but if you use the verb baiser in modern slang, it has a completely different, vulgar meaning.
- In old French literature, embrasser was the primary term for a hug, reflecting its Latin root 'bracchium' meaning 'arm'. The shift toward it meaning a kiss on the lips happened much later in the language's evolution.
- The direction of the cheek-kissing can change depending on whether you are in the north or the south of France, which can lead to awkwardness if you are not careful.
Examples in context
- Je ne vais pas t'embrasser.I'm not going to kiss you.This sentence shows the negation of the phrase using t'embrasser.Tatoeba #5835143 by Aiji, translation #2544722 by CK
- Je veux vraiment t'embrasser.I really want to kiss you.This sentence expresses a desire to kiss someone using t'embrasser.Tatoeba #2584701 by sacredceltic, translation #2033194 by CK
- J'ai toujours voulu t'embrasser.I've always wanted to kiss you.Tatoeba #10796606 by Aiji, translation #3818139 by CK
- Je vous embrasse affectueusementI send you my warmest regards
- Je t'embrasse très fortI give you a big kiss
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are saying goodbye after a date.
- HugoJe peux t'embrasser ?Can I kiss you?
- EmmaOui, avec plaisir.Yes, with pleasure.
- HugoTu es magnifique, Emma.You are beautiful, Emma.
- EmmaMerci, Hugo.Thank you, Hugo.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
