baci per te
The English phrase "kisses for you" is translated into Italian as baci per te.
baci per te is an affectionate expression used to send love and kisses to someone. It is commonly used as a closing in letters, emails or text messages to friends and family. You can use the singular form un bacio per te if you want to say "a kiss for you" instead of "kisses". Other variations include Bacioni, which means "big kisses" and the informal diminutive Bacini, which means "kisses".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of baci (kisses) and per te (for you).
How does it change in a sentence?
baci is the plural form of bacio (kiss).
Did you know?
- In Italy, when exchanging baci as a greeting, the custom is typically to start with the left cheek, though this varies by region.
- The word per in baci per te evolved from the Latin preposition which originally meant 'through' or 'by means of', shifting its focus to 'for' over centuries.
- If you were writing to someone you respect highly, using te instead of the formal Lei would be considered a significant social error, even when sending kisses.
Example conversation
Chiara is sending a quick voice message to Lorenzo.
- ChiaraCiao Lorenzo, non vedo l'ora di vederti!Hi Lorenzo, I can't wait to see you!
- LorenzoAnch'io, Chiara! Ci vediamo domani.Me too, Chiara! See you tomorrow.
- ChiaraVa bene, tanti baci per te!Alright, lots of kisses for you!
- LorenzoGrazie, a domani!Thanks, see you tomorrow!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries per, te, CC BY-SA 4.0.
