baci
In Italian, the word for kisses is baci.
The term refers to the plural form of a touch with the lips as a sign of love or greeting.
Which one should you use?
While baci is the standard plural, you may encounter other forms such as bacini for little, light kisses or the intensified baci baci for a more playful effect.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of baci is bacio. As a masculine plural noun, baci is preceded by the masculine plural article i (as in i baci) when referring to specific kisses.
Did you know?
- If you are looking at an Italian menu and see 'bacio' used in food descriptions, it often refers to a specific type of small, sweet pastry or a confectionery shape, rather than an action.
- The Italian expression baciare i piedi means 'to kiss the feet' and is used to describe acting overly subservient or fawning over someone.
- The word bacio is used in the phrase un bacio della morte, which translates to 'a kiss of death'. This refers to a betrayal rather than affection.
Examples in context
- Mi dia due baci.Give me two kisses.This sentence shows how to ask for two of the form baci.Tatoeba #12749207 by Guybrush88, translation #12749198 by Adelpa
- Amo i baci di Fadil.I love Fadil's kisses.This sentence demonstrates using the form baci to express affection for someone's kisses.Tatoeba #5884018 by Guybrush88, translation #5857140 by OsoHombre
- Mi dia quattro baci.Give me four kisses.This sentence shows how to ask for four of the form baci.Tatoeba #12749203 by Guybrush88, translation #12749200 by Adelpa
- Auguri di buon compleanno! Tanti baciHappy birthday! Many kisses
- Ciao Giulia! A presto. Bacioni!Hi Giulia! See you soon. Kisses!
- Arrivederci tesoro, baci baci!Goodbye darling, kisses kisses!
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are saying goodbye at the airport.
- SofiaTi mando tanti baci!I send you many kisses!
- MatteoGrazie, Sofia. Anche io a te.Thank you, Sofia. Me too to you.
- SofiaCi vediamo presto, Matteo.See you soon, Matteo.
- MatteoA presto, un ultimo bacio!See you soon, one last kiss!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry baci, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
