Portuguese Phrase
Em algumas culturas, as pessoas se cumprimentam com um beijo na bochecha.
Meaning
This phrase describes a common social custom where individuals exchange a light kiss on the cheek as a form of greeting. It highlights that this practice is not universal but specific to "some cultures," implying cultural variation in social etiquette. The reflexive verb "se cumprimentam" indicates a reciprocal action, meaning people greet each other.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing cultural differences in greetings, explaining social norms to someone unfamiliar with them, or describing observations about how people interact in various parts of the world. It's suitable for general conversation about customs and traditions, particularly when comparing social etiquette.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Emalgumas culturasas pessoasse cumprimentamcomum beijona bochecha
Em (preposition)
'Em' is a preposition meaning 'in' or 'on.' It's used here to indicate location or context, similar to 'in some cultures.'
Algumas (determiner)
'Algumas' means 'some' and is the feminine plural form, agreeing with 'culturas.' It indicates an unspecified quantity.
Se cumprimentam (reflexive verb)
'Cumprimentar' means 'to greet.' The reflexive pronoun 'se' indicates that the action is performed by the subjects (as pessoas) upon themselves or each other, meaning 'they greet each other.'
Com (preposition)
'Com' is a preposition meaning 'with.' It introduces the instrument or manner of the greeting, 'with a kiss.'
Na bochecha (prepositional phrase)
'Na' is a contraction of 'em' (in/on) + 'a' (the feminine definite article). 'Bochecha' means 'cheek.' So, 'na bochecha' means 'on the cheek.'
🗨In Conversation
Você sabia que em alguns países, as pessoas se cumprimentam com um beijo na bochecha?
Did you know that in some countries, people greet each other with a kiss on the cheek?
Sim, é verdade! Aqui no Brasil, é bem comum, especialmente entre amigos e familiares.
Yes, it's true! Here in Brazil, it's quite common, especially among friends and family.
✕Common Mistakes
Em algumas culturas, as pessoas cumprimentam um beijo na bochecha.
The verb 'cumprimentar' needs the reflexive pronoun 'se' when referring to people greeting each other. Without 'se', it implies greeting an object or a single person, not a mutual greeting.
Em algumas culturas, as pessoas se cumprimentam com um beijo à bochecha.
While 'à' (a + a) can mean 'to the' or 'at the,' 'na' (em + a) is the correct preposition to indicate 'on the' or 'in the' context of a body part for this action.
Em algumas culturas, as pessoas se cumprimentam com um beijo no rosto.
'Rosto' means 'face,' which is a broader term. 'Bochecha' (cheek) is the specific and more common term used in Portuguese for this particular greeting.
↔Alternatives
É comum em certas culturas as pessoas se beijarem na bochecha.
It's common in certain cultures for people to kiss each other on the cheek.
Em alguns lugares, o cumprimento envolve um beijo no rosto.
In some places, the greeting involves a kiss on the face.
Cultural Tip
In many Latin American and Southern European countries, a kiss on the cheek (or two, or even three, depending on the region) is a very common greeting, even among strangers in social settings. It's a sign of warmth and familiarity, not necessarily romantic interest. However, the number of kisses and which cheek to start with can vary significantly by country and even region within a country. It's generally not practiced in formal business settings.