French Greeting Kisses: Understanding La Bise

La bise, the traditional French greeting kiss, is an integral part of French social etiquette. This article will guide you through the intricacies of this custom, explain various types of kisses in French culture, and provide you with essential French vocabulary related to kissing. Whether you're planning a trip to France or simply want to expand your cultural knowledge, understanding la bise is crucial for navigating French social interactions.

What is La Bise?

La bise refers to the practice of greeting someone with a kiss on each cheek. This custom is deeply ingrained in French culture and is used in both casual and formal settings. Here are some key points about la bise:

• Usually involves two kisses, one on each cheek
• Can be air kisses or light touches of the cheek
• The number of kisses may vary by region (1-4 kisses)
• Generally used among friends, family, and sometimes in professional settings

Example: "On se fait la bise ?" (Shall we do la bise?)

How to Perform La Bise

Executing la bise correctly can be tricky for newcomers. Follow these steps:

1. Approach the person you're greeting
2. Lean in towards their left cheek (your right)
3. Lightly touch cheeks or air kiss near the cheek
4. Repeat on the other side

Remember, practice makes perfect!

La Bise Etiquette

Understanding when and with whom to use la bise is crucial:

• Women typically greet everyone with la bise
• Men often use la bise with women and handshakes with other men
• In professional settings, follow the lead of others
• During social gatherings, expect to greet everyone with la bise

Example: "Il lui fait la bise." (He's giving her/him la bise.)

French Kissing Vocabulary

To discuss kissing in French, you'll need to know these essential terms:

1. Un bisou - A casual, innocent kiss Example: "Je te fais un bisou avant de partir." (I'll give you a kiss before leaving.)

2. Un baiser - A more romantic or passionate kiss Example: "C'était un baiser passionné." (It was a passionate kiss.)

3. S'embrasser - To kiss each other Example: "Est-ce que vous vous êtes embrassés ?" (Did you kiss each other?)

French Slang for Making Out

French has several colloquial terms for more intense kissing:

1. Se rouler une pelle
2. Se rouler un patin
3. Se rouler une galoche

All these phrases essentially mean "to make out" or "to French kiss."

Example: "On s'est roulé des pelles hier soir." (We made out last night.)

Impact of the Pandemic on La Bise

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the practice of la bise:

• Temporary decrease in popularity due to social distancing
• Less common among younger generations (Gen Z)
• Gradual return to practice as restrictions ease

Despite these changes, la bise remains an important part of French culture.

Tips for Non-French Speakers

If you're visiting France or interacting with French people, keep these tips in mind:

1. Observe others and follow their lead
2. Don't be afraid to ask if you're unsure
3. Remember that la bise is a normal, non-romantic greeting
4. Practice with friends to become more comfortable

By understanding la bise and French kissing culture, you'll be better equipped to navigate social situations in French-speaking environments. Remember, cultural practices like these are part of what makes learning a language so enriching. At leçon.ai, we believe that understanding these nuances is key to truly mastering French. Keep practicing, and soon la bise will feel as natural as saying "bonjour"!