abrazo
/aˈβɾa.θo/
Definition
A hug; the act of putting your arms around someone to show affection or comfort.
Example
Le dio un abrazo fuerte a su madre en el aeropuerto.
Show translation
He gave his mother a tight hug at the airport.
Etymology
From the verb *abrazar* ("to embrace"), which derives from *a-* (toward) + *brazo* ("arm"), from Latin *bracchium* ("arm"), itself borrowed from Greek *brakhíōn*. The literal sense is "to take into one's arms."
Cultural note
Physical greetings are the norm in much of the Spanish-speaking world. In Latin America, friends and family typically greet each other with an *abrazo*, sometimes accompanied by a pat on the back. In Spain, acquaintances often exchange two kisses on the cheek (*dos besos*) instead, reserving the *abrazo* for closer relationships. The word also appears warmly in letter sign-offs — *Un abrazo* is the Spanish equivalent of "Best wishes" or "Warm regards."