Have you ever given someone a quick, gentle kiss?
Or planted a big, enthusiastic kiss on someone you love?
In Japanese, these two kinds of kisses can be expressed with similar but very different sounds:
Chu (ちゅっ)
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Buchu (ぶちゅっ)
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They both describe a kiss, but the strength, energy, and feeling are quite different.
Differences Between “Chu” and “Buchu”
| Expression | Meaning | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Chu (ちゅっ) | A quick, gentle kiss | Light, sweet, affectionate |
| Buchu (ぶちゅっ) | A big, forceful kiss | Strong, enthusiastic, exaggerated |
In short:
- Chu → a light, quick kiss
- Buchu → a big, enthusiastic kiss
Examples in Daily Life
Example 1: A gentle kiss (Chuu)
The mother mouse leaned down and gave her little one a soft kiss on the cheek —
chu!
Example 2: A big affectionate kiss (Buchuu)
The mother mouse hugged her little one tightly and planted a big, enthusiastic kiss on his cheek —
buchu!
Try Using Them!
A quick little kiss on someone’s cheek?
→ Say chu!
A big kiss with lots of energy and affection?
→ Say buchu!
Same kiss —
but a very different amount of enthusiasm!
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