bisou
/bi.zu/
The French word for "smooch" is bisou.
bisou refers to a kiss, often describing a gentle smooch. To express the action of giving a kiss, French speakers often use the phrase faire un bisou.
Meaning: (informal) to kiss (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the noun bisou is bisous.
How do you pronounce it?
/bi.zu/
Did you know?
- While bisou is often used for a quick smooch, the word baiser once meant the same thing before it became a vulgar term for intercourse.
- In many parts of France, the custom of 'la bise' involves kissing both cheeks to say hello, which is a much more extensive social ritual than a single 'bisou'.
- The term bisou can also be used as a way to end a phone call or a text message, much like saying 'kisses' or 'xoxo' in English.
Examples in context
- Je lui ai donné un baiser sur la joueI gave him/her a smooch on the cheek
- Elle lui a donné un bisou sur le frontShe gave him/her a smooch on the forehead
- Ils se sont embrassés passionnémentThey passionately smooched each other
- Je l'ai embrassé avec passion au sommet de la tour EiffelI passionately smooched him/her at the top of the Eiffel Tower
- Il lui a déposé un baiser doux sur les lèvresHe gave her a gentle smooch on the lips
- Je te fais un bisou.I'll give you a smooch.
- On se fait un petit bisou ?Shall we have a little smooch?
- Elle lui a fait un bisou sur la joue.She gave him a smooch on the cheek.
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are saying goodbye.
- LucasC'est l'heure de partir.It is time to go.
- LéaD'accord, un bisou avant ?Okay, a smooch before you go?
- LucasOui, viens ici.Yes, come here.
- LéaÀ demain !See you tomorrow!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bisou, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
