Also means
to embrace
Usage Note
Embrasser originally meant 'to embrace' (from bras, arm), but in modern French it most commonly means to kiss — especially on the cheeks (faire la bise). Letters and messages often close with Je t'embrasse or Bisous, both meaning something like 'lots of love'. Context usually makes the intended sense clear.
Examples
"Elle embrasse sa mère sur la joue."
Natural Translation
She kisses her mother on the cheek.
Free starter pack
Building your French vocabulary?
Get the 100 most common French words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.
Related Words
Explore French by topic
