What does it mean word for word?
The verb s'embrasser is a pronominal form where the s' (a form of se) indicates a reciprocal action, meaning 'to kiss each other'.
Which one should you use?
While the verb embrasser can mean 'to embrace' or 'to hug' in a literary sense, in modern everyday French, s'embrasser specifically refers to the act of kissing each other. For the noun, un baiser is the standard term for 'a kiss', whereas un bisou is a more colloquial and affectionate way to say 'a kiss'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In terms of register, you can use the formal phrase Déposer un baiser to mean 'to bestow a kiss'. For casual situations, the phrase Donner un bisou means 'to give a little kiss'. As a noun, un bisou is more informal than un baiser.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because s'embrasser is a pronominal verb, it must be used with a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nous, vous) that agrees with the subject.
Did you know?
- The word baiser can also function as a vulgar noun or verb in certain very informal contexts, which can lead to social awkwardness if used incorrectly.
- The custom of la bise involves air-kissing the cheeks rather than making physical contact with the lips. Depending on the region in France and the relationship between the people and the number of kisses can vary from two to four.
- The word embrasser shares a root with the English word 'embrace'. While modern French uses it for kissing and hugging and it once described the physical act of wrapping your arms around someone.
Examples in context
- Je les ai vus s'embrasser.I saw them kissing.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe seeing people in the act of s'embrasser.Tatoeba #5552210 by sacredceltic, translation #3062664 by Hybrid
- Je les ai surpris en train de s'embrasser.I caught them kissing.This sentence shows how to use s'embrasser when someone is caught in the act.Tatoeba #8395893 by Aiji, translation #1935048 by Spamster
- On a commencé à se faire des câlins et à s'embrasser.We started hugging and kissing each other.This sentence demonstrates using s'embrasser alongside other affectionate actions.Tatoeba #8418292 by Aiji, translation #7793691 by AlanF_US
- Je vous fais la biseI give you a kiss on the cheek
- Je dépose un baiser sur votre joueI bestow a kiss on your cheek
- Je te donne un bisouI give you a little kiss
- On s'embrasseWe kiss each other
- Je t'envoie plein de bisous affectueux.I send you lots of affectionate kisses.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are talking about a movie they just watched.
- NathanC'était mignon de les voir s'embrasser à la fin.It was cute to see them kissing at the end.
- ManonOui, c'était le moment le plus romantique.Yes, it was the most romantic moment.
- NathanJe pense qu'ils vont s'embrasser encore dans la suite.I think they will kiss again in the sequel.
- ManonC'est certain, ils s'aiment vraiment.That's for sure, they really love each other.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
