beso en la mejilla

The number of kisses (one or two) and which cheek to start with varies by region in the Spanish-speaking world.

Cultural Note

In Spain and many Latin American countries, cheek kissing is a standard greeting between acquaintances and friends. Don't be surprised if someone you've just met leans in for a kiss—it's not romantic unless in a specific context. The cheek kiss is also common in some European countries like France and Italy.

When to Use

Use 'beso en la mejilla' when referring to the social gesture of kissing someone's cheek. It's not typically used for romantic contexts unless specified. The phrase is neutral and can describe both the action and the location of the kiss.