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embrasser

to kiss

verb ahm-brah-SEH Common
People & Society Relationships

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.

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