Spanish Conversation · Level 52
75 words
Spanish word
besar
Pronunciation
IPA/beˈsaɾ/
Meaning
- verbkiss
Example
Quiero besar a mi novia.
I want to kiss my girlfriend.
More examples
En España es común besar en la mejilla al saludar.
In Spain it is common to kiss on the cheek when greeting.
Core concept
Touch of the lips conveying anything from a polite peck to a passionate kiss.
Common phrases
besar a alguien
kiss someone
besar en la mejilla
kiss on the cheek
besar los labios
kiss on the lips
Similar words
dar un beso: Gives a short, light kiss or peck as a quick, casual or polite gesture.
besarse: Kisses one another on the lips, with both people actively touching lips together.
abrazar: Wraps the arms around someone to hold them close in a warm, physical embrace.
Definition in Spanish
Implica tocar con los labios a otra persona, ya sea de forma breve como saludo o de forma prolongada como muestra de pasión.
Word origin
The verb traces back to Vulgar Latin basiare, to touch with the lips, which gave rise to Italian baciare and related Romance verbs.
Usage tips
- Using besar without an object can sound intimate or deliberate, so speakers often say dar un beso or use the noun un beso for brief, nonromantic greetings.