besos
/besos/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for kisses is besos.
besos refers to the plural form of the act of touching someone with the lips to show love or affection. In digital or written communication, it is often used as a warm way to sign off when speaking to friends or family.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For an even more informal and affectionate tone, you can use the diminutive besitos when speaking to close friends, family or loved ones. In informal text messages, you might also see the onomatopoeic Muak, which imitates the sound of a kiss.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the phrase chau besos is used to say "bye kisses".
How does it change in a sentence?
besos is a masculine plural noun. The singular form is beso.
How do you pronounce it?
/besos/
When do people say it?
When saying goodbye in informal settings, it is common to use expressions like besos or the phrase un abrazo y un beso (a hug and a kiss).
Did you know?
- The diminutive besitos can sometimes be used sarcastically in Spain to patronize someone, changing a term of endearment into a condescending remark.
- In Spain, the custom of dos besos involves touching cheeks rather than kissing them, starting with the right cheek first.
- While besos is common in Spain, in many Latin American countries, a single kiss on the cheek is the standard greeting.
Examples in context
- Tus besos saben a canela.Your kisses taste like cinnamon.This sentence uses besos to describe the taste of someone's kisses.Tatoeba #1070011 by Shishir, translation #10085120 by DJ_Saidez
- La cubrí de besos y lágrimas.I covered her with kisses and tears.This sentence illustrates the use of besos to describe an action involving someone.Tatoeba #11701833 by Seael, translation #3345792 by Scott
- Sin más me despido. Besos y abrazos.Without further ado, I say goodbye. Hugs and kisses.This sentence shows how to use besos when signing off a message.Tatoeba #1868801 by wallebot, translation #9154118 by rafaeldejesus8199
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are saying goodbye over a video call.
- DanielBueno, me voy a dormir. ¡Muchos besos!Well, I am going to sleep. Many kisses!
- LucíaIgualmente, Daniel. Que descanses.Likewise, Daniel. Rest well.
- DanielTe mando besos y un abrazo fuerte.I send you kisses and a big hug.
- LucíaGracias, Daniel. Hasta mañana.Thanks, Daniel. See you tomorrow.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
