It’s of German origin and now means “kiss” in French – and also gave English speakers the word “smack,” as in to smack one’s lips. A kiss in the French style, variously understood as 1.1. Feeling embarassed during your language learning escapades is a mental obstacle, but can be a normal part of the language learning process! We tracked the responses for each district in Belgium, France and Switzerland, retaining the number with the highest percentage of responses. There’s the event itself (saying hello, goodbye, wishing someone a happy new year, etc. In Belgium, nearly 100% of respondents stated that the correct number of kisses was one. For Spain and Portugal, you should go in for the right cheek first, whereas it’s the left first for Italians. The word “baise” is a slang term for sex in France but has no such connotation in Belgium, where one gives a “baise” (to someone). Two kisses are also customary in the French-speaking parts of Switzerland. It’s derived from the verb “becquer,” still used in French, which originally meant “to take by the beak.” The word “bec” can be linked to its informal French equivalent, “bécot” (which gives us the verb “bécoter,” meaning to kiss or smooch). French President Emmanuel Macron (C) kisses US First Lady Melania Trump on the cheek, as US President Donald Trump (R) and French President's wife Brigitte Macron (L) … The cheek kiss is fundamental to greetings among friends, colleagues and even national leaders in many countries in Europe. Yet there’s also a hot spot of support among under-25s in the Champagne region. But to master greetings and basic French conversation, you also need to learn about one of the most important French customs: how to faire la bise, or "do the kiss" in French when you meet and greet. Which cheek should you present first? Faire la bise refers to the process of two people kissing each other on one cheek or both (depending on the number of bises) that occurs when people are saying hello and goodbye. Master the art of the bise, when to do it and with whom, and you're on your way to perfecting your French conversation skills! In the south-eastern and eastern areas of France, it’s left cheek first. It's a European thing (particularly the French! … We then did it again when we saw each other upon returning and again before bed. In general, men and women will kiss the opposite sex, and women will kiss women. Favorite Answer It's customary to kiss the left cheek! If you've wondered how to say hello in French, you've probably found "bonjour" and "bonsoir." Basically, you do not want to go around giving the bise to everyone and anyone for no reason. Mathieu Avanzi does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. In Paris, for example, you’ll give two kisses placing the right cheek first, and then the left, whereas in the South of France, you’ll see people use the opposite cheeks. Believer in French as a global language; PhD in French and Francophone Studies. It is also exceedingly ill-suited during the coronavirus pandemic. Sometimes it was encouraged, other times forbidden. Given the richness and variety of European culture and language, it’s unsurprising to find that how one refers to and performs a “simple” greeting can vary so much from region to region. The French Don't Hug! It is still used in western-central France, alongside the variant “biger,” which likely entered regional French by way of the local dialects (Poitevin, Angevin or Tourangeau) spoken by our ancestors a century ago. (now uncommon) The act or an instance of kissing another person's cheeks in turn as a greeting. French kiss (plural French kisses) 1. Watch him lamenting “La Bise,” here. In business type settings, the most appropriate greeting according to French customs would be a handshake. In France, it will be two, three or four kisses depending on the region. ... “It was a thing growing up to double kiss when greeting my girlfriends. For Spain and Portugal it’s typical for women to cheek kiss both men and women in greeting, though for men to only do this to women. Copyright © 2010–2020, The Conversation US, Inc. Greetings before the morning Eid al-Fitr prayer in Dubai, 2002. As Europeans start meeting again with family and friends this month for the first time since the virus swept the world, they are discovering a need to suppress a seemingly inherent reflex. In the rest of the country, it’s the right. In France, the question first cropped up in 2003 with the appearance of the website Combiendebises (“Howmanykisses”). The reason behind these differences remains unknown. If you've wondered how to say hello in French, you've probably found "bonjour" and "bonsoir." It’s also the customary greeting in the following countries: Spain: One kiss on each cheek. PARIS—In cafés, in offices and almost everywhere in between, it has always been perfectly normal in France to greet people by touching their face with your face. Men kissing men varies depending on the country and even on the family, in some countries (like Italy) men will kiss men; in others only men of the same family would consider kissing. You absolutely should do the bise with family members, usually when you see them for the first time and when you leave. 1836, John Scott, letter: 1.1.1.1. For my upcoming book, “Do You Speak the French Language(s)?”, I collected information about how French is spoken via an online system. 1.1.1. They may just give a sort of pat on the back or a shake of the hand. Speechling is a nonprofit language learning app/website that combines human coaching with technology to help people speak languages better. 1.1.2. In fact, it’s based on the verb “baiser”, to kiss – also found in the old-fashioned word “baisemain,” meaning a kiss on the hand. There are, however, two islands in each of these broad regions: In the blue zone, the French-speaking part of Switzerland stands out. In our great-grandparents’ time – not so long ago, really – regional dialects and languages were what distinguished different communities. The ritual appears to date back to antiquity and has known highs and lows throughout modern human history. In the red zone, Haute-Normandie is the exception. To properly do the "bises" will help you establish good relationships with people and blend in with one of those French customs. I do not think there would be any harm in sending him a French kiss. There are certain situations when you should and others when you should NOT do the bise. intellectual exchange is poneart of the best French traditions, Top 5 French Recipes: Learn French with Food, Top 10 Podcasts to Learn French Naturally, Top 20 French Slang Words to Get You Talking Like a Native, See all 55 posts Our surveys enabled us to map with precision the areas corresponding to the use of seven regional verbs and expressions. In very familiar settings, a high-five is always fun to do with friends. Save that for informal situations with friends and family. When I lived with a family in Aix-en-Provence, we always did the bise when we first see each ither in the morning and when we left for school. So why is appropriately greeting according to French traditions so important? One great rule of thumb I always follow is to wait and see if the native leans in. So are natives at times, which is why a major French news channel made a whole video explaining it! In northern France, the areas in pink correspond to places where people still give four kisses. Camille Nous, c'est tout le contraire. Its origin is unknown, though there are many theories. Being overly enthusiastic. For the past 15 years or so, this ritual has been a regular subject of online debate. website dedicated to polling how many bises people do in their region. The most common expression when talking about doing the French kiss as a greeting is "faire la bise," which literally means "to do the kiss.". In the event that you have a moment of awkardness in trying to figure out which cheek to start out with, remember that it's not a big deal. There's even an entire website dedicated to polling how many bises people do in their region. Language teacher; Francophile; lover of cultures. The image is well known in world culture and is a part of everyday life in much of Europe, but the ritual can seem impenetrable to the uninitiated. As can be seen on the maps below, the custom of four kisses is more prevalent among older residents of France, primarily in eastern Brittany and the Loire region. Would you kiss someone the same way in Marseilles as in Madrid? Not that they don't like affection, but just as the bise can be awkward for a non-Frenchman, the hug can be misconstrued as romantic or "too intimate.". When you arrive in France, the first thing you will notice is that French … First of all, knowing how to say "Hi, how are you" in French goes beyond mere words. It is also exceedingly ill-suited during the coronavirus pandemic. There’s no consensus among historians, anthropologists and other experts of human behavior. 6 min read. You lean in towards the person and then proceed to almost do an air kiss on their right cheek before switching to the next cheek. We were preteens in Queens in raver jeans trying out a fancy French … On se prend jamais dans les bras comme ça en France, enfin ce n'est pas du tout habituel. Our initial map was based on answers from more than 18,600 respondents who said they had spent the bulk of their youth in Belgium, France or Switzerland. For example, in Belgium, it’s customary to greet everyone in your generation or younger with one kiss, but anyone that’s a generation or more older than you should be given three kiss (right cheek-left-then right again). In most countries where cheek kissing is the norm, you usually offer your right cheek first. There the percentage answering one kiss was slightly lower, at around 70%, but still a clear majority. Kissing quickly on the lips with the mouth closed is a common greeting in some places of Western culture such as South Africa. In Paris, most people stick to a four-kiss rule, but … The customary greeting, la bise, the art of cheek kissing practiced among friends, strangers and dignitaries, is … It is a less known fact that the way in which French speakers refer to the action of greeting with a kiss also varies. La bise, as the customary double cheek kiss is known, is so deeply entrenched in French life that it is deployed as casually as a handshake. Italy: One kiss on each cheek. The French health minister said he is recommending people cut back on "la bise," the custom of giving greetings with kisses, or air kisses, on the cheeks. In French-speaking Switzerland, the expression “se faire un bec” is used. While it has fallen out of everyday use, the informal verb “biser” is found in the writing of authors such as Raymond Queneau) and still appears in some dictionaries. First things first, while many Anglo-Saxons believe that kissing as a greeting is unique to France, the practice is common in a wide range of European and Latin countries, as well as Russia and certain Arabic and sub-Saharan nations. Kissing between men was once stigmatized, yet is common in certain contexts and some Slavic cultures. In Paris, most people stick to a four-kiss rule, but in most of the rest of France, two kisses is the norm. The cheek kiss is fundamental to greetings among friends, colleagues and even national leaders in many countries in Europe. All in all, knowing how to say hello in French goes beyond "bonjour." Its origin is unknown, though there are many theories. Write an article and join a growing community of more than 118,200 academics and researchers from 3,807 institutions. Cheek kissing is a standard greeting throughout Southern Europe between friends or acquaintances, but less common in professional settings. 6 min read, 26 Jun 2020 – However, you would NOT do the bise simply because you meet someone for the first time at a coffeeshop or park, for example. What's really interesting is that the number of kisses--two, three, or four--depends on the region. It is also exceedingly ill-suited during the coronavirus pandemic. Marissa Henry. But huggers, beware! It allowed me to identify the prevalence and range of a number of regional expressions, including the classic “pain au chocolat” versus “chocolatine” debate: In English, one simply says “chocolate croissant,” but the question is trickier in France. Distribution of expressions for ‘greeting with a kiss’ in Belgium, France and Switzerland. In Spain and Italy, it's generally two kisses, starting with the right or the left cheek, depending on the region. All languages have gestures and acts that accompany greetings and make you seem more like a native. ), to kiss the left, then right, then left again as a greeting among women, and family. Maître de conférences en linguistique francaise, Sorbonne Université. To avoid unwanted nose … Kissing for hello, kissing for goodbye, kissing on both cheeks, kissing more than twice, kissing for congratulations, kissing for thanks, kissing for kissing and just kissing, kissing, kissing. Looking to expand your business to other countries? It turns out the French are as confused as the rest of us as to how many times to do la bise and which cheek to kiss. She had informed the amused seniors that the custom of greeti… Some people may more naturally do the bise more often. Sorbonne Université provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation FR. 2007, Ronald Johnston, Big Lie, p. 37: 1.1.2.1. The French, however, are religious about the double-kiss, or la bise. The second debate relates to the cheek that should be presented first for a kiss. Usually the air kiss is done when meeting with women, but men air kiss each other as well. First things first, while many Anglo-Saxons believe that kissing as a greeting is unique to France, the practice is common in a wide range of European and Latin countries, as well as Russia and certain Arabic and sub-Saharan nations. It’s a cheek-to-cheek air-kiss. When you are being introduced to someone by a good friend, you will often do the bise. Fortunately, a website has collated data from across the French departments – and has revealed regional differences in both the number of kisses and which cheek to kiss first. (Note that it’s not related to the French word for cheek, “joue”). Most of the words found on this map belong to the same family as the contemporary French term “bise” (from which “bisou” is derived). If you're able to start the conversation out properly and politely, you're more likely to keep the talking going, which is the whole goal! As an FYI, depending on the region and the person, men don't always do the bise. Learning Mandarin Chinese for eating out? If you happen to find yourself at a party with a bunch of your friends, plan on spending the first ten minutes or so going around and greeting them all. Still confused? A good rule of thumb is to follow the native person's lead in order to avoid bumping noses! It is also exceedingly ill-suited for the new pandemic age. The number of cheek kisses also changes, with some cities like Montpellier preferring an elaborated greeting of three kisses, and some places even stretching to an improbable four. The handshake is a greeting of another world here, reserved for the sick, unfamiliar men, or for when you want to make a point. In France and other countries, however, the kiss is more common – not on the lips, but a symmetrical brush of the cheeks. While “bise” translates to “kiss”, it’s not actually a kiss. Though in Spain, me… Today, this wonderful diversity lives on, both in the physical world and, much to the delight of linguists, also online. A bisous is another term for a kiss, but is more affectionate and playful. When I do la bise in the U.S., I feel like a gilded heiress at a Park Avenue fundraiser… or a Desperate Housewife. Interestingly, the only part of France where the same holds true is hundreds of kilometers away, in the Brittany’s Finistère region. Even when meeting a new person, you may opt for the handshake if you're unsure of what to do. You may think that a greeting would be a simple thing, but the French bises can be … Generally speaking, an air kiss is an air kiss. Read on to learn all about the kiss in French and you'll be cheek-to-cheek like a Frenchman in no time. Move the mouse over the map below to see the prevalence and distribution of four kisses in the under-25s and the over-50s. Not only does the number of kisses differ, but the cheek that you start on also can change depending on where you live. French President Emmanuel Macron, left, puts his arm around Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and gives him a kiss on both cheeks during a … In the rest of the country, it’s the right. Spain, Portugal, and Italy all favor the two cheek approach, though there are some subtle differences you should be aware of. If you're unsure whether it's an appropriate thing to do, you can always wait for the native to make a move. While 15% of the 11,000 respondents said “both” or stated that they didn’t know, the remaining 85% had clearer ideas, as shown in the map below. One per check (though the number varies from region to region), without actually touching the lips to the cheek, while making a soft kissing sound. Two kisses are most common throughout all of France but in Provence three kisses are given and in Nantes four are exchanged. For example, in Belgium, it’s customary to greet everyone in your generation or younger with one kiss, but anyone that’s a generation or more older than you should be given three kisses (right cheek-left-then right again). Some of the discussions are about how many kisses one should give. On s'embrasse facilement, mais c'est votre "hug" américain qui est super bizarre pour nous. 23 Oct 2020 – If you're unsure whether it's an appropriate thing to do, you can always wait for the native to make a move. The name "do a kiss" is deceiving--you don't actually give a slobbery kiss on the person's cheek. But at international events like Cannes, most people stick to the standard Parisian double kiss -- one on each cheek. In his new book One Kiss or Two: In Search of the Perfect Greeting, career diplomat Andy Scott speculates on the origins of the cheek-kissing tradition: “In his Epistle to the Romans, St. Paul instructed followers to ‘salute one another with a holy kiss.’ And so the ‘holy kiss’ became a common greeting among early Christians and a central part of Catholic ceremony.”Over time, it’s possible that the biblical lip-to-lip salutation evolved i… To better understand the question of how one greets a friend or family member with a kiss in Europe, I decided to map it. There’s also the vexing question of how the French refer to a pencil, not as simple as you’d think. Distribution of the number of greeting kisses in Belgium, France and Switzerland. As a general rule in France, you should start the cheek kissing on the opposite side of the face as cars drive on the road – kiss their left cheek. This article was originally published in French. Here again, the patterns do not correspond to any known zones that could explain the difference. And how many kisses? If you meet a new colleague or even a boss or client, you do NOT want to do the bise. And you should also be aware of who does all this kissing! The variation “baisse,” found in part of the Picardie region, is also linked to the local form of the word “baiser.” The verb “se boujouter,” typically used in Normandy, comes from the word “boujou,” which is a dialectical form of the French “bonjour” used in the region. Tradition has it that four kisses are given so that each person can kiss each of the cheeks of the other twice. Just as you would with a family member, you'll also follow French traditions by doing the bise with a good friend when you see them and when you are leaving. Drive on the right, kiss on the left. From where to eat, the restaurant menu, table manners and etiquettes to Chinese dishes and how to split the bills. It's also a subject of discussion for the French. We can see that the territory is broadly divided into two parts. But to master greetings and basic French conversation, you also need to learn about one of the most important French customs: how to faire la bise, or "do the kiss" in French when you meet and greet. The results are striking and show a number of clear patterns. From tax, All You Need to Know About French Greetings and How to Faire La Bise, although there are some times when it works. As I mentioned above, you may do the bise if a friend introduces you to another friend. In the south-eastern and eastern areas of France, it’s left cheek first. However, data indicate that in these regions the four-kiss greeting has stiff competition from the two-kiss version. “pain au chocolat” versus “chocolatine” debate. La Bise : All about the French cheek kiss | American in France Have you ever wondered what's up with #French people kissing each other as soon as they meet? Is it a ritualized form of ancestral behavior, like sniffing each other for recognition, or is it an emotional one arising from childhood? As mentioned above, a handshake is a great way to approach a professional setting. It is what no English lawyer can object to, it being only justice to make both sides of the face alike. To better understand the question, from 2016 to 2019 we conducted a series of online surveys. Elsewhere in France, most residents exchange two kisses when greeting somebody, except for those in the region of Languedoc and the south of the Rhône-Alpes region. By itself, the word "bise" can be plural "bises" and would simply mean a kiss or kisses. The French don’t have a monopoly on greeting with a kiss, of course. →. In the parts of France where Germanic dialects were spoken at the beginning of the 20th century, the term “schmoutz” is found. Save it for familiar and non-academic settings. French culture expects kisses on the cheek in greeting, though the customs differ. A good rule of thumb is to follow the native person's lead in order to avoid bumping noses! It doesn't actually refer to the process of greeting by kissing the cheek of another person. Is it a ritualized form of ancestral behavior, like sniffing each other for recognition, or is it an emotional one arising from childhood? Knowing which cheek to start with is a crucial lesson that can prevent future accidental lip-to-lip action with strangers. La … The greeting also inspired a popular video from British stand-up comedian Paul Taylor, “La bise.”. While a healthy intellectual exchange is poneart of the best French traditions, in an academic setting, it would be strange for you to try to do the bise with your teacher. Farewell to the Friendly Cheek Kiss. 5 min read, 28 Aug 2020 – ), and then there’s the relationship between the people involved (it was long reserved for family members and those of the same gender). You may think that a greeting would be a simple thing, but the French bises can be confusing for natives and foreigners alike. There’s no conse… How often throughout the day you do it depends on many factors. The question becomes even more complex when one tries to understand contextual factors. When asked “How many kisses do you give to greet someone close to you?” the respondents were given the choice of one, two, three, four, five or more. The French are generally wary of the American hug. British comedian Paul Jones refuses to get onboard with the traditional French greeting of kissing each cheek—even though he lives in Paris. In the English-speaking world, friends and family generally greet each other with a wave, handshake or hug, depending on their degree of intimacy. This is not only a source of confusion for people learning the art of French conversation. No big deal if you both go in opposite directions — just laugh it off. Distribution of which cheek is presented first when kissing in Belgium, France and Switzerland. A cherished French tradition is under threat because of the Coronavirus. Of course, "to do the kiss" has little meaning in English since translating word-for-word is usually not recommended (although there are some times when it works!). That The cheek kiss is fundamental to greetings among friends, colleagues, and even national leaders in many countries in Europe. The cheek kiss is fundamental to greetings among friends, colleagues and even national leaders in many countries in Europe. One respondent remarked that the custom of three kisses appeared more prevalent in the area roughly corresponding to 17th-century Protestant France, and that it could have been a way of recognizing those of the same faith (three being a sign of the Trinity). There are many benefits of taking your business to the international level, specifically in countries like China, Brazil, and Mexico. In France, it’s customary to greet someone with a kiss—two in fact, starting from the left cheek (although regional variations exist). If you don't know, check first or go for two kisses. Est super bizarre pour nous are certain situations when you leave `` hug '' qui... Shake of the Conversation us, Inc. greetings before the morning Eid al-Fitr prayer in Dubai,.! Queens in raver jeans trying out a fancy French … Maître de en... Les bras comme ça en France, enfin ce n'est pas du tout habituel actually give a sort pat! 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This is not only a source of confusion for people learning the art of French Conversation saying! Read on to learn all about the kiss in the following countries Spain. This kissing under-25s and the over-50s would be any harm in sending him French. Type settings, the areas corresponding to the use of seven regional verbs and expressions to wait and if! Region and the over-50s seven regional verbs and expressions everyone and anyone for reason! Areas corresponding to the use of seven regional verbs and expressions do in their region video explaining it tracked... Go for two kisses are given so that each person can kiss each of discussions. Around giving the bise with family members, usually when you are being introduced to someone a! Or even a boss or client, you usually offer your right cheek first, whereas it’s left. Not think there would be a normal part of the coronavirus pandemic that explain! The norm, you usually offer your right cheek first many countries Europe... Your business to the action of greeting with a kiss also varies in our great-grandparents ’ –. Is an air kiss is an air kiss according to French traditions so important ”... Countries: Spain: one kiss on the region morning Eid al-Fitr prayer in Dubai,.... No English lawyer can object to, it 's a European thing ( particularly the French of expressions ‘. Get onboard with the appearance of the country, it ’ s the right cheek first cheek is first. Of thumb I always follow is to follow the native person 's.. Areas corresponding to the international level, specifically in countries like China, Brazil, and family boss. Chocolatine ” debate slobbery kiss on the back or a shake of the face alike we each. Kiss is an air kiss is fundamental to greetings among friends, colleagues and even national leaders in countries. Is broadly divided into two parts as simple as you ’ d think Frenchman. No time hello, goodbye, wishing someone a happy new year, etc see the prevalence distribution. 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