besitos
/besitos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "little kisses" is translated into Spanish as besitos.
The phrase refers to small or light kisses and is often used as a term of endearment. It is commonly used as a warm sign-off in text messages or phone calls between friends, family or romantic partners.
What does it mean word for word?
The word besitos is formed by the root beso (kiss) and the diminutive suffix -itos (little/small).
Which one should you use?
While besitos is the standard diminutive, you may also encounter Besitos chiquitos or Besitos pequeñitos, both of which also mean "little kisses" in an informal context.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term besitos is informal. Using this diminutive form instead of the standard besos makes the expression sound more affectionate and cute.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the phrase is besito.
How do you pronounce it?
/besitos/
Did you know?
- The diminutive -itos in besitos is often used as a social lubricant to soften a request or a piece of bad news to make it feel less blunt.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, besitos on the cheeks serve as a standard social greeting among friends and family, regardless of whether the people are romantically involved.
- In Latin American music, besitos is often used rhythmically to create a playful or flirtatious atmosphere, where the word represents a mood rather than a literal act.
Examples in context
- ¡Hola, cariño! Te mando muchos besitos chiquitos desde lejos.Hi, sweetheart! I'm sending you lots of little kisses from afar.
- No veo la hora de verte y darte besitos pequeñitos.I can't wait to see you and give you little kisses.
- Besitos, mi amorcitoLittle kisses, my little love
- Dame muchos besitos antes de dormir.Give me many little kisses before sleeping.
- Te mando besitos desde la distancia.I send you little kisses from afar.
- Los niños me dieron besitos en la mejilla.The children gave me little kisses on the cheek.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are saying goodbye over the phone.
- LucíaMe dio mucha pena despedirme de ti.It made me very sad to say goodbye to you.
- MateoNo te preocupes, Lucía, nos veremos pronto.Don't worry, Lucía, we will see each other soon.
- LucíaEstá bien, te mando muchos besitos.All right, I send you many little kisses.
- MateoGracias, yo también te mando besitos.Thank you, I send you little kisses too.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
