Meaning
To greet someone by kissing them lightly on one or both cheeks.
Cultural Background
The 'Bise' Map (comptelabaise.fr) is a real crowdsourced website where French people vote on how many kisses are standard in their town. In Quebec, 'la bise' is much less common than in France. People often prefer a 'hug' (un câlin), influenced by North American culture. The 'bise' in the office is a controversial topic. Some companies have banned it to promote professional boundaries, while others see it as essential for team bonding.
Follow the leader
If you're a foreigner, let the French person initiate the movement to avoid awkwardness.
The 'Left-Right' Dilemma
Most French people start by leaning to their left (offering their right cheek).
Meaning
To greet someone by kissing them lightly on one or both cheeks.
Follow the leader
If you're a foreigner, let the French person initiate the movement to avoid awkwardness.
The 'Left-Right' Dilemma
Most French people start by leaning to their left (offering their right cheek).
The Sound Matters
Don't forget the tiny 'mwah' sound; doing it in silence feels unfinished to a French person.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'faire'.
Tous les matins, nous nous ______ la bise.
The subject is 'nous', so the verb 'faire' must be conjugated as 'faisons'.
In which situation is it appropriate to 'faire la bise'?
Select the best scenario:
Social introductions via friends are the prime time for 'la bise'.
Match the region to the typical number of kisses.
Paris vs. Montpellier
Paris typically does two, while parts of the South do three.
What would a French person say if they want to greet you?
Person A: 'Salut !' Person B: 'Salut ! _________ ?'
'Faire la bise' is the standard idiomatic expression for this greeting.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to Bise vs. When to Shake
Faire la bise
- • Family
- • Friends
- • Parties
- • Casual Colleagues
Serrer la main
- • Job Interviews
- • Doctors
- • Strangers
- • Formal Bosses
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTous les matins, nous nous ______ la bise.
The subject is 'nous', so the verb 'faire' must be conjugated as 'faisons'.
Select the best scenario:
Social introductions via friends are the prime time for 'la bise'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Paris typically does two, while parts of the South do three.
Person A: 'Salut !' Person B: 'Salut ! _________ ?'
'Faire la bise' is the standard idiomatic expression for this greeting.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsNo, it is cheek-to-cheek contact. Your lips should only touch the air.
Yes, it is very common between male friends and family members in France.
Simply say 'Je ne fais pas la bise, je suis malade' (I'm not doing the kiss, I'm sick). People will appreciate it.
Rarely. Two is the standard minimum in most of France.
Usually the right cheek (lean to your left).
It declined significantly in 2020, but it has made a strong comeback in social circles.
Related Phrases
Se faire un bisou
similarTo give each other a kiss
Serrer la main
contrastTo shake hands
Envoyer des bises
builds onTo send kisses (in a letter/text)
Claquer la bise
specialized formTo 'slap' on a kiss
