Coin Culture: Faire connaissance

To meet

In  francophone countries, friends and family members exchange kisses on alternating cheeks to say hello and goodbye. This action is expressed by the French phrase faire la bise, sometimes called an ‘air kiss’ in English. While the number of kisses exchanged varies by region, the most common practice is two kisses, one on each cheek, although it is not uncommon to exchange three or even four.

In an informal situation, young adults will most often faire la bise. Older adults or men would normally shake hands (serrer la main). In a formal situation, it is necessary to shake hands with everyone. A bise is always given to children.

Contrary to the hug in the United States, kisses are exchanged with friends and family members that one sees everyday. In France, hugging is reserved for more intimate (romantic) relationships.