ballet
/baˈle/masculine
The English word "ballet" is translated into Spanish as ballet. Wiktionary also lists baile.
Meaning: form of dance (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ballet | /baˈle/ /baˈlet/ |
masculine |
| baile | /ˈbaile/ | masculine |
The term refers specifically to the classical art form of ballet.
Which one should you use?
While ballet refers specifically to the classical art form, the word baile is used to refer to dance in a more general sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word ballet is a masculine noun and is used with the masculine article el (el ballet).
How do you pronounce it?
/baˈle/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, baile is used colloquially to describe a 'scolding' or a 'beating', as if the person is being moved around like a dancer.
- The Spanish verb bailar is the root of baile and shares a distant ancestor with the English word 'ball', as in a formal dance.
- If you use the word baile to describe a professional performance, a Spanish speaker might think you are talking about a social dance party rather than a choreographed stage show.
Examples in context
- Ella me invitó al ballet.She invited me to the ballet.This sentence is useful for seeing how to express being invited to the ballet.Tatoeba #1361161 by Shishir, translation #314423 by CK
- Mi hermana ama el ballet.My sister loves ballet.This sentence is useful for expressing a love for the ballet.Tatoeba #5781019 by solmyrbcn, translation #8271759 by lunchmeat317
- No sé nada sobre el ballet.I don't know anything about ballet.This sentence is useful for stating a lack of knowledge regarding the ballet.Tatoeba #2694895 by Shishir, translation #2694028 by Hybrid
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are talking about their plans for the weekend.
- MateoElena, ¿quieres ir al ballet conmigo?Elena, do you want to go to the ballet with me?
- Elena¡Claro! Me encanta el ballet.Of course! I love ballet.
- MateoTengo dos boletos para el sábado.I have two tickets for Saturday.
- ElenaPerfecto, gracias por la invitación, Mateo.Perfect, thanks for the invitation, Mateo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ballet” translations and entries ballet, baile, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
