Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'kiss' depends on context, formality, and nuance. The most common word is キス, a casual loanword. For romantic or passionate kisses, 口づけ or 接吻 are used, but they are more literary or formal. Verbs like キスする and 口づける are common. Be aware that direct translations can sound awkward; often, describing the action naturally is better.
To refer to a kiss in a casual, everyday context, such as a peck on the cheek or lips.
To express a deep, romantic, or passionate kiss, often in literature or formal contexts.
To describe the act of kissing someone or something.
The most common verb for 'to kiss'. Casual and widely used.
To describe a kiss on the cheek as a greeting, common in some cultures but not in Japan.
Describes the action literally. Since cheek kissing is not a Japanese custom, it's often explained rather than assumed.
To refer to mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
To describe something lightly touching another, like 'the breeze kissed her cheek'.
Means 'to touch gently'. Often used in poetic descriptions instead of a direct translation of 'kiss'.
In English, 'kiss' can be used metaphorically (e.g., 'kiss of death', 'kiss goodbye'). These rarely translate directly to Japanese. Use context-appropriate expressions instead.
It was the kiss of death for his career.
キス is the everyday word. 口づけ is romantic and literary. 接吻 is formal and technical. Use キス in most situations unless you want a poetic or formal tone.
A romantic, somewhat literary word for 'kiss'. Often used in songs, poems, and novels.
The two exchanged a kiss under the starry sky.
A formal, technical, or literary term for 'kiss'. Rare in everyday speech.
A kiss is one expression of affection.
Also used for romantic kisses in casual contexts, but less intense than 口づけ.
I had my first kiss with him.
He kissed her on the cheek.
The verb form of 口づけ, meaning 'to kiss' in a romantic or literary sense.
The prince kissed the princess's hand.
Formal verb for 'to kiss'. Rarely used in conversation.
They avoided kissing in public.
In France, they kiss on the cheek as a greeting.
Refers to a greeting kiss. Useful when explaining the custom.
She tried to give a greeting kiss, but he was confused.
The standard term for artificial respiration, including mouth-to-mouth. Not a romantic kiss.
He gave the drowning person the kiss of life.
The breeze kissed her cheek.