dar un beso

/daɾ um ˈbeso/
verb phraseIntermediate to kiss
informal

To touch someone's lips or cheek with one's lips as a sign of affection or greeting.

Cuando nos despedimos, le di un beso en la frente.

When we said goodbye, I gave her a kiss on the forehead.

Los niños suelen dar un beso a sus padres antes de dormir.

Children usually give their parents a kiss before going to sleep.

💡

Commonly used in romantic and familial contexts, as well as between friends.

Collocations

dar un beso en la mejillato give a kiss on the cheekdar un beso en la bocato give a kiss on the mouthdar un beso de despedidato give a goodbye kiss

Related Phrases

besar a alguienphrase
to kiss someone
un beso en la frentephrase
a kiss on the forehead
besos y abrazosphrase
kisses and hugs

💡Pro Tip

Cultural Context

In many Spanish-speaking cultures, cheek kissing (usually twice, once on each cheek) is a common greeting. The phrase 'dar un beso' can refer to this gesture as well as a romantic kiss.

Gold Rule

Verb Conjugation

Remember that 'dar' is an irregular verb in Spanish. For example: 'yo doy', 'tú das', 'él/ella da'.

📖Word Origin

The phrase combines the verb 'dar' (to give) and the noun 'beso' (kiss), both of Latin origin. 'Dar' comes from the Latin 'dare', while 'beso' derives from the Latin 'basium'.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is universally understood in Spanish-speaking cultures and is used in both formal and informal settings. The gesture itself is a common social and affectionate practice.

Word Breakdown

dar
to give
verb
+
un
a
article
+
beso
kiss
noun
Diccionario Español-Inglés