besos y abrazos
/besos i abɾaθos/from spelling rules
The English phrase xoxo can be expressed in Spanish as besos y abrazos.
This phrase serves as a closing in letters or messages to send hugs and kisses to someone. While the English version uses symbols, the Spanish equivalent uses the actual words for these actions.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase besos y abrazos literally translates to kisses and hugs.
Which one should you use?
In casual text messaging, it is common to omit the y (and) and simply write besos, abrazos.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Besos y abrazos is an informal expression used among friends and loved ones. It is a common informal closing for friends and family.
How do you pronounce it?
/besos i abɾaθos/
Did you know?
- While English speakers often use 'xoxo' in professional-adjacent friendly emails, using besos y abrazos in a Spanish business context would be considered an extreme breach of professional boundaries.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a greeting involving besos often consists of a single cheek kiss or even two, depending on the country, whereas the phrase besos y abrazos in a letter is purely symbolic.
- A common variation for very close friends is simply besitos, which is the diminutive form of 'kisses' and carries a much more playful or 'cute' tone.
Examples in context
- Te quiero mucho, besos y abrazos.I love you very much, hugs and kisses.
- Nos vemos pronto, besos y abrazos.See you soon, hugs and kisses.
- Cuídate mucho, besos y abrazos.Take good care of yourself, hugs and kisses.
Example conversation
María sends a quick text message to Javier to say goodbye.
- María¡Adiós, Javier! Que tengas un buen día.Goodbye, Javier! Have a good day.
- JavierGracias, María. ¡Igualmente!Thanks, María. Same to you!
- MaríaBesos y abrazos.Hugs and kisses.
- Javier¡Chao!Bye!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
