Native Spanish speakers/residents of Spanish-speaking countries: how should I respond to "un beso"?

Question

When I'm talking to a Spanish speaking friend (usually over the internet) and they say "un beso" to me as a good-bye, is it rude not to say it back? I'm a native English speaker from the US, so that always catches me off guard and I never know how to respond.

Also, does this vary regionally? If so, how?

And how does it work gender-wise; like, girls say this to each other, I know, but guys don't, right? And what about between guys and girls?

And, what should I think about a Spanish speaking man who says "un besazo" instead of "un beso" to me, as a woman? Is this common for male friends to say to female friends? Or, is it a little too "friendly," if you get what I mean?

Gracias por la ayuda.

As for the particular friend of mine from Spain who always says "un besazo" to me, it wouldn't bother me at all if he meant it in more than a simple, friendly way! ;) I just wouldn't want to misread what he's saying; that could lead to a pretty embarrassing situation.

So far, all these answers are fantastic! Thanks a bunch!

Oh, and I really like the custom of greeting people with kisses on the cheek! It's very sweet and friendly, in my opinion. I think we should do that more in my country.

Answer 1

People in Spanish speaking countries say hello and goodbye in person by kissing each other on the cheek (once in most countries, twice in Spain and Brazil).
When speaking on the phone, we usually say "un beso" before hanging up, but this doesn´t substitute the actual "chau" or "adios" or "hasta mañana".
When someone says "un beso" to you, you could say it back if you feel comfortable, but you could skip it and just say "bye".
As for the male-female thing, "besazo" means "big kiss". Maybe he is just friendly, or maybe he´s more than that. I guess it just depends on the guy and your relationship with him. If the rest of his attitude is proper, I don´t see a problem with this.

Answer 2

Besos In Spanish

Answer 3

No, don't worry when people say good bye by saying "un beso" doesn't mean that they are saying it like more friendly than normal or anything like that, it is just like saying "take care" in English after having had a conversation with a friend.

Answer 4

Sometimes i say "besos" instead of "un beso" and yes its a lovely and friendly way to say good bye. U can say also besos or good night to him.

Some girls say "besitos" and its also the same, a friendly way to say good bye and take care. its not a big deal.

Un besazo means a big kiss, means that the person likes you so much, also they can say dame un abrazote (means give me a big hug). Its common for friends to say that.

But if u dont like that friendly stuff then just say so.

Answer 5

Un beso means a kiss. And in Latin countries is costume to say goodbye with a kiss on the cheek. As for responding to it on the Internet, I don't think it's rude to say anything back.


It all depends in the content it was used. In Latin countries, girls and guys say bye to each other with a kiss. Same thing with girl and girls.

Answer 6

I ALWAYS say "BESOS" or "un BESO" to ALL my friends, and is because just in case you didnt know in most of Latin america and Spain when you say goodbye to a person, you kiss them in one or both cheecks, when you are introduced you do NOT shake hands (unless is a guy and guy meeting eachother they usually shake it (can give eachother a hug too depending on how close they will be ex my cousins husband is meeting mine) but girls always have to kiss eachother cheeks and guys meeting girls otherwise is very disrespectful) so that might be why he does it, Im almost married and I still do it to all my friends (white and latin) and they usually reply "besos, adios" or if we are close enough "besos tqm(te quiero mucho)"(kisses luv ya bunches)
its the same with a besito (lil kiss) besazo(big kiss) so dont worry about it! its just normal for us and sometimes we think its for everyone else too

Answer 7

I am not a native speaker of Spanish. However, I am aware of some issues that might help you to figure this one out. First of all, the use of tú and usted vary greatly among the dialects of Spanish. How the child uses these pronouns might have a lot to do with what dialect of Spanish he/she has been exposed to. For example, in Mexico, family members often refer to each other as tú, but in Colombia, parents and children can call each other usted. Argentinian Spanish doesn't have tú but instead has vos, and in other dialects (such as in Central America) tú, vos, and usted are all used! Secondly, in my experience, very young children often call their elders tú. Since you didn't mention how old the children are, I'm not sure whether this is an issue. Thirdly, depending on the children's experience, they may only have ever heard Spanish at home, where they would always be addressed as tú and call their family members tú. This could mean that the version of Spanish that these children speak may only include tú forms, because these are the forms they have been exposed to. You mention that they can use usted for a while, but if it wears off that seems to indicate that these kids don't have usted as part of their natural behavior. I hope this has been helpful.

Answer 8

Un beso, means one kiss... It's perfectly fine to say it back... In Spain people say it all of the time...Spanish guys/girls greet each other by the double kiss, one kiss on each cheek... It's part of their culture

Answer 9

no, don't get it wrong, saying good bye with "un beso" is just regular in many spanish speaking countries, as well as "besazo", usually between friends and family...i always say "besito" to say good by to my mom, and simply "besos" for my family and friends, regardless of gender.

Answer 10

Not to lead you astray or anything... my Papo, and Dad always have said "un beso" to me before I left for bed when I was little. It means "one kiss" generally. I always took it as friendly. Just a peck on the check before bed!