Portuguese Phrase
É comum beijar na bochecha?
Meaning
This phrase is used to inquire about the social norms regarding physical greetings in Portuguese-speaking cultures. It specifically asks if cheek kissing is the standard way to greet or say goodbye to someone in a given context.
When to use
Use this question when you are in a new social environment, such as a party or a business-casual meeting, and you want to ensure you follow local etiquette correctly. It is a polite way to clarify expectations before making a social faux pas.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Écomumbeijarnabochecha
Verbo Ser
The word 'É' is the third-person singular of 'ser', used here to state a general fact or characteristic.
Contraction 'Na'
'Na' is the mandatory contraction of the preposition 'em' (in/on) and the feminine article 'a' (the).
🗨In Conversation
Vou conhecer seus pais hoje. É comum beijar na bochecha?
I'm meeting your parents today. Is it common to kiss on the cheek?
Sim, pode dar um beijinho na minha mãe, mas um aperto de mão no meu pai.
Yes, you can give a little kiss to my mom, but a handshake to my father.
✕Common Mistakes
É comum beijar no bochecha?
'Bochecha' is a feminine noun, so the contraction must be 'na' (em + a) instead of 'no' (em + o).
É comum beija na bochecha?
The verb should be in the infinitive form 'beijar' when following the adjective 'comum'.
↔Alternatives
As pessoas se beijam para cumprimentar?
Do people kiss to greet each other?
Como as pessoas se cumprimentam aqui?
How do people greet each other here?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, cheek kissing is extremely common between women and between men and women, but rarely between men (who usually shake hands or hug). The number of kisses varies by city: São Paulo typically uses one, while Rio de Janeiro usually uses two.