What’s the Difference Between “Chu” and “Buchu” in Japanese?

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)

あわせて読みたい

What Is “Chu”? The Japanese Sound of a Light Kiss Ever given someone a gentle peck on the cheek?Or heard the soft sound of lips meeting in a sweet, quick kiss? That’s when the Japanese onomatopoeia “Chu” (ち…

Buchu (ぶちゅっ)

あわせて読みたい

What Is “Buchu!”? The Japanese Sound of an Over-the-Top Kiss Have you ever seen a cartoon character give someone a wildly exaggerated kiss? Or watched a comedy scene where affection becomes dramatically over-the-top? T…

They both describe a kiss, but the strength, energy, and feeling are quite different.

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Differences Between “Chu” and “Buchu”

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!

Explore More: Comparison Series