What does it mean word for word?
Beijos is the plural of beijo (kiss), and para você means "for you".
Which one should you use?
While Beijos para você is grammatically complete, it can sound slightly more deliberate or formal than the shorthand Beijos used between close friends. You may also encounter Beijos para ti in certain regions of Brazil or in Portugal, depending on the local use of the pronoun ti.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a formal expression, you can use Envio-lhe beijos, which translates to "I send you kisses". In informal settings, you might use Beijinhos para você or the expression Mandando beijos (sending kisses). Additionally, in casual text messages or emails, it is very common to drop the "para você" entirely and simply say Beijos to mean "Kisses" or "Love".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazilian Portuguese, beijos pra você is a commonly used informal expression.
Did you know?
- The word você originally comes from the phrase vossa mercee, which means 'your mercy'.
- When people say beijos in person, it is often accompanied by a specific number of cheek kisses that varies by region, such as two in many parts of Brazil.
- While 'kisses' might sound romantic to English speakers, in Portuguese, saying Beijos is a standard, platonic way to sign off a message to friends or even acquaintances.
Examples in context
- Oi Ana! Beijinhos para você e até breve!Hi Ana! Kisses for you, and see you soon!
- Beijos para você, minha querida.Kisses for you, my dear.
- Beijos para você, até amanhã!Kisses for you, see you tomorrow!
Example conversation
Camila and Lucas are saying goodbye on a phone call.
- CamilaTudo bem, Lucas. Vou desligar agora.All right, Lucas. I'm going to hang up now.
- LucasTudo bem, Camila. Até amanhã!All right, Camila. See you tomorrow!
- CamilaAté amanhã! Beijos para você.See you tomorrow! Kisses for you.
- LucasBeijos, tchau!Kisses, bye!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries para, você, CC BY-SA 4.0.
