besos
/besos/from spelling rules
The English word "kisses" is translated into Spanish as besos.
besos is a plural noun used to refer to the act of touching someone with the lips as a sign of love or affection. You can also use modifiers like grande or enorme with the singular form to add emphasis to the gesture of a kiss.
Which one should you use?
While besos is the standard plural, you might encounter the diminutive besitos to convey a playful, affectionate vibe or to refer to a small, quick kiss. For an exuberant gesture, the phrase un abrazo y un besote can be used to combine a hug with a large kiss.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase besos y abrazos is a common informal way to sign off letters or messages to friends and family. Similarly, besitos is an informal diminutive used for extra affection. The term abrazo (hug), cariño (affection) and amor (love) are also related concepts used in various levels of intimacy.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is beso.
How do you pronounce it?
/besos/
Did you know?
- The term beso is used in the culinary phrase beso de ángel, which refers to a specific type of light, airy meringue or candy.
- The term beso is used in the expression beso de Judas to describe a betrayal, referring to the biblical kiss of Judas Iscariot.
- In Spain, the social custom of dos besos involves touching cheeks while making a kissing sound, rather than actual lip contact. The greeting always begins on the right cheek.
Examples in context
- Tus besos saben a canela.Your kisses taste like cinnamon.This sentence uses besos to describe the taste of a kiss.Tatoeba #1070011 by Shishir, translation #10085120 by DJ_Saidez
- La cubrí de besos y lágrimas.I covered her with kisses and tears.This sentence uses besos to describe a physical action involving kisses and tears.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 uses besos as part of a common informal sign-off.Tatoeba #1868801 by wallebot, translation #9154118 by rafaeldejesus8199
- ¡Te mando muchos besitos!I'm sending you lots of kisses!
- Te mando un beso enormeI'm sending you a huge kiss
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are saying goodbye on the phone.
- JavierBueno, me tengo que ir ahora.Well, I have to go now.
- ElenaEstá bien, hablamos mañana.That's fine, we'll talk tomorrow.
- JavierVale. ¡Muchos besos, Elena!Okay. Lots of kisses, Elena!
- ElenaBesos para ti también, Javier.Kisses for you too, Javier.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
