What does a kiss on the cheek mean in France?

La Bise, or the kiss in English, might not be the type of French kissing you have in mind, but instead, is an important cultural action that is used to say “hello,” “goodbye,” and even “congratulations” and is something you will encounter all over France– the act of air kissing the cheeks!

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Is cheek kissing normal in France?

La bise is a traditional, common way to greet family, friends, and even coworkers (depending on your workplace). It's the equivalent of both a handshake and a hug. Basically, faire la bise consists of lightly kissing someone on the cheek or cheeks.

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Which cheek do you kiss first in France?

In the south-eastern and eastern areas of France, it's left cheek first. In the rest of the country, it's the right. There are, however, two islands in each of these broad regions: In the blue zone, the French-speaking part of Switzerland stands out. In the red zone, Haute-Normandie is the exception.

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Who do French people kiss on the cheek?

That's because while it is customary for women in France to greet both men and women with a kiss on each cheek, men generally reserve la bise for close male friends or family. La bise is not just a greeting for social settings, though.

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Why do Europeans kiss on the cheek?

Most commonly, kisses are exchanged between close friends, relatives or acquaintances. What's most entertaining is that the cheek kisses are not reserved for woman-to-woman and woman-to-man, but with man-to-man as well. It a gesture of friendliness and companionship; a form of bonding through ritualized kisses.

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How to cheek-kiss

45 related questions found

What is an Australian kiss?

What is an Australian kiss? An Australian kiss. is when you start off with a French kiss. and then you end up Down Under. @Sharam ❤️ Namdarian.

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Why do Europeans kiss on the cheek 3 times?

Southeastern Europe

In Serbia and Montenegro, it is also common for men to kiss each other on the cheek three times as a form of greeting, usually for people they have not encountered in a while, or during the celebrations (wedding, birthday, New Year, religious celebrations, etc.).

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What is considered rude in France?

It is rude to sit with one's legs spread apart unless in a relaxed context. Rather, sit straight with your legs crossed at the knee or knees together. Feet should not be placed on tables or chairs. If someone is invited to a restaurant or a business function, it is acceptable to arrive at the specific time.

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Why do the French kiss 3 times?

The reason behind these differences remains unknown. 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 recognising those of the same faith (three being a sign of the Trinity).

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Is kissing a big deal in France?

Despite stereotypes monogamy is very important. As kissing someone is considered very meaningful in France, so too is sleeping with someone. While the French may be masters of flirting and love the chase, true intimacy is more reserved than you may expect.

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What is the rule for French kiss?

Run your tongue along their lips or slide your tongue along theirs. Take it slowly and gently, allowing the intensity to build as you match your partner's energy and movements. If your partner likes hugging during kisses, use your hands to hold them close. Finish.

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Do French people kiss casually?

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. Everytime you meet a French person, you have to greet her. On top of a simple « Bonjour », you'll kiss (faire la bise) or shake her hand (serrer la main).

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What is the difference between a French kiss and a smooch kiss?

Smooch and French kiss are different types of kissing acts. While smooch is leaser in intensity than a French kiss, a French kiss can be extremely passionate and sexually arousing. Smooch involves just the lips while a French kiss has more to do with tongues playing inside the mouths of the partners.

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How risky is French kissing?

Researchers from the Netherlands in a 2014 study estimated that a French kiss lasting just ten seconds can facilitate the transfer of up to 80 million bacteria. Though most of those bacteria aren't pathogenic, there are still certain microorganisms that may cause problems while kissing and shouldn't be overlooked.

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Is French kissing hygienic?

Yes, kissing can be a cause of sexually transmitted diseases like Herpes, Cytomegalovirus or Syphilis, as well as expose you to bacteria through saliva exchange. Your mouth is a route to your gastrointestinal and respiratory systems.

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Does French kissing need tongue?

You don't have to use your tongue through the entire make out session. If you want to just kiss without tongue too, it's totally fine. When you ARE using tongue, your go-to move when Frenching can be a massage between your two tongues. You can also try different things and see what feels most comfortable.

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Why do guys French kiss a girl?

When a man kisses you with their tongue, it means that they are head over heels for you. There is nothing that excites them anymore except for you. A French kiss is a sign of attraction and desire and if he kisses you with so much passion, he sure wants you.

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Why do French kiss with tongue?

Description. A French kiss is an amorous kiss in which the participants' tongues extend to touch each other's lips or tongue. A tongue kiss stimulates the partner's lips, tongue and mouth, which are sensitive to the touch and induce sexual arousal, as the oral zone is one of the principal erogenous zones of the body.

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How do you kiss hello in France?

In France, greeting your French friends can be a complicated matter for foreigners. Rather than shaking hands, waving hello or hugging, you lean forward, touch cheeks and kiss the air while making a light kissing sound with your lips.

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Is smiling rude in France?

3 - Don't smile too much

Everybody gets a smile and it is considered rude not to smile. The smile is free and ubiquitous, like air or sunshine. It's expected and polite. Everyone gets a smile but in France, French people perceive the smile differently to Americans.

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Is eye contact rude in France?

For Parisians eye contact is a personal matter, much like your choice of wine, or infidelity in relationships. As a general rule, you have to avoid looking strangers in the eye; it's slightly offensive. Remember, personal space reigns.

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Why is eye contact rude in France?

Eye Contact: Direct eye contact is understood as a form of respect. It is considered to be extremely rude not to make and maintain eye contact. Gestures: French people tend to use the 'thumbs up' sign to indicate 'okay'.

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What nationality kisses both cheeks?

Two Kisses: Spain, Italy, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Croatia, Bosnia, Brazil (though, like France, the number can differ by region), and some Middle Eastern countries (though not between opposite sexes)

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What is a German kiss?

Any guesses? Here's the answer... This weekend, a French friend told me that a German kiss is basically a French kiss but you swirl your tongue around in circles. Have you ever heard of that bad boy before? Have you done it?

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Why do Italians kiss cheeks?

It is common to give air kisses on both cheeks (starting with your left) when greeting those you know well. This is called the 'il bacetto'. However, in Southern Italy, men generally only kiss family members and prefer to give a pat on the back to show affection in a greeting.

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