キス
kisu[kʲi̥sɨ]
In Japanese, 'kisses' is translated as キス (kisu).
キス is a noun used to refer to the act of pressing one's lips against another person or object. It is often used to describe specific actions, such as kissing a cheek or a hand.
Which one should you use?
While キス is the common loanword used in daily life, 接吻 (seppun) is a much more formal and literary term for a kiss. For a more formal context, Japanese speakers may also use 口づけ (kuchizuke).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
キス is the standard term, but for a casual and common way to refer to a kiss, you can use ちゅー (chuu). On the other hand, 接吻 (seppun) and 口づけ (kuchizuke) are used in more formal or literary settings.
How do you pronounce it?
kisu
When do people say it?
In Japanese, the sound of a kiss is often represented by the onomatopoeia チュッ (chu).
Did you know?
- While キス is common today, kissing was historically not a traditional part of Japanese courtship, and the word was adopted as the Western custom became known.
- The formal term 接吻 (seppun) literally translates to 'joining lips', using kanji that suggest a physical connection rather than an emotional gesture.
- The casual form ちゅー (chuu) is often used by adults when playfully mimicking a child's speech or behaving in an extremely cute, 'kawaii' manner with a partner.
Examples in context
- トムはいつもメアリーにおはようのキスをするの。Tom always kisses Mary good morning.This sentence shows how to use キス to describe a repeated action of kissing someone good morning.Tatoeba #10726823 by small_snow, translation #6529255 by CK
- 彼とキスをしたいです。I want to kiss him.
- デート中に彼に口づけをした。I gave him a kiss during the date.
- 彼とちゅーしたい！I want to kiss him!
- 彼女は頬にキスをした。Kanojo wa hoho ni kisu o shita.She gave him a kiss on the cheek.
- 赤ちゃんにキスをする。Akachan ni kisu o suru.To give a kiss to a baby.
Example conversation
Misaki and Yota are saying goodbye after a date.
- 陽太 Yota今日は楽しかったよ、美咲。Kyou wa tanoshikatta yo, Misaki.I had a great time today, Misaki.
- 美咲 Misaki私も。ねえ、キスしていい？Watashi mo. Nee, kisu shite ii?Me too. Hey, can I kiss you?
- 陽太 Yotaもちろん、いいよ。Mochiron, ii yo.Of course you can.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとう、陽太。Arigatou, Youta.Thank you, Yota.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry キス, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
