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besos

BEH-sohs/ˈbe.sos/

“besos” means “kisses” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

kisses

Also: pecks
NounmA1
SpainMexico
A simple illustration showing two cartoon characters affectionately kissing on the cheek.

📝 In Action

En España, nos saludamos con dos besos en la mejilla.

A1

In Spain, we greet each other with two kisses on the cheek.

Le dio muchos besos al bebé antes de irse a trabajar.

A2

She gave the baby many kisses before leaving for work.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • ósculos (kisses (formal/literary))
  • abrazos (hugs)

Common Collocations

  • dar besos – to give kisses
  • un montón de besos – a load of kisses

love, cheers

Also: hugs and kisses
NounmA2informal
A simple illustration of a white envelope sealed with a large, bright red lipstick kiss mark, symbolizing affection sent via mail.

📝 In Action

Nos vemos el sábado. Muchos besos, Ana.

A2

See you Saturday. Love, Ana.

Te escribo pronto. Un beso enorme para ti y tu familia.

B1

I'll write to you soon. Huge love for you and your family.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • saludos (greetings (more formal))
  • abrazos (hugs)

Common Collocations

  • muchos besos – lots of love
  • un beso fuerte – a big kiss/lots of love

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "besos" in Spanish:

cheers→love→pecks→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: besos

Question 1 of 2

Which English sign-off is the best translation for 'Muchos besos' at the end of a text message?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
beso(kiss (singular noun)) — Noun
besar(to kiss) — Verb
besucón/a(a person who likes kissing/affectionate) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
quesosaccesos
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word *basium*, which meant 'kiss.' It displaced the older Latin word for a kiss, *osculum*, giving us the modern Spanish form.

First recorded: 10th century (in related forms)

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: beijosCatalan: petons

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use 'un beso' (singular) versus 'besos' (plural) in writing?

Both are common in informal closings. 'Un beso' or 'Un besito' feels slightly more personal or intimate, while 'Besos' or 'Muchos besos' is a standard, friendly closing to multiple people or a group.

Is it okay for a man to sign off a message to another man with 'besos'?

Yes, absolutely, if they are good friends or family. In Spanish-speaking cultures, affection between friends and family, regardless of gender, is often expressed through 'besos' (kisses/love) in greetings and closings.