bailarina
/bailaˈɾina/feminine
The English word 'ballerina' is translated into Spanish as bailarina.
bailarina is used to refer to a female ballet dancer. However, it is also the general term for any female dancer, regardless of the style of dance. In Spanish, the art form itself is called el ballet.
Meaning: female ballet dancer (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the verb bailar (to dance) and the feminine agent suffix -ina, literally meaning 'dancer (female)'.
Which one should you use?
While bailarina is used specifically for a ballet dancer, it also serves as the general word for any female dancer. To refer specifically to the art form, use el ballet.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form of this noun is bailarín, used for a male ballet dancer.
How do you pronounce it?
/bailaˈɾina/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the term bailarina is also used to describe a specific type of flat, lightweight shoe similar to a ballet slipper, often called 'ballerina flats' in English.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the word bailarina is used in the context of a 'music box' to describe the small spinning figure, called la bailarina de la caja de música.
- The root word bailar is a distant cousin of the English word 'ball', which originally referred to a formal dance.
Examples in context
- Yo solía soñar con ser una bailarina.I used to dream about being a ballerina.This sentence is useful for expressing a past dream of becoming a bailarina.Tatoeba #12909718 by mexicanhere, translation #953681 by CK
- Maria es una destacada bailarina clásica que ha actuado en diversos teatros internacionales.Maria is an outstanding classical dancer who has performed in various international theaters.
- Mi hermana sueña con convertirse en una reconocida bailarina de ballet.My sister dreams of becoming a renowned ballet dancer.
- Lucia es la primera bailarina en el Ballet Nacional.Lucia is the principal ballerina at the National Ballet.
- Ella es una bailarina profesional.She is a professional ballerina.
- La bailarina hace una reverencia.The ballerina takes a bow.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are watching a performance at the theater.
- AlejandroMira esa bailarina, es increíble.Look at that ballerina, she is incredible.
- MaríaSí, se mueve con mucha elegancia.Yes, she moves with great elegance.
- AlejandroMe pregunto cuántas horas practica.I wonder how many hours she practices.
- MaríaSer bailarina requiere mucho esfuerzo.Being a ballerina requires a lot of effort.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ballerina” translations and entries bailarina, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
