bise

Everyday

1. A cold, dry wind that blows from the north or north-east over Switzerland and parts of France. tree →
2. (French) A light kiss on the cheek used as a greeting, as in "faire la bise". It sounds like "beez" and is not an everyday English word. tree →

In the lessons

In geography it names a local wind, like the mistral. In French lessons and on the street in France or Quebec, "la bise" is the cheek-kiss greeting between friends and family. Phrases: "faire la bise" (French), "grosses bises" (French, "big kisses", at the end of a letter).

Examples

• The bise blew cold across Lake Geneva. tree →
• In winter the bise makes Geneva feel freezing. tree →
• In France, friends greet each other with la bise. tree →
• Grosses bises means "big kisses" at the end of a French note. tree →
• My French penfriend gave me la bise on both cheeks. tree →
• How many kisses in la bise depends on the region. tree →

Note

Pronounced "beez". In English it is only used for the wind and when talking about the French greeting; it is not a common English word. Do not confuse with "bees" or "bis".