conga
/konɡa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "conga line" is translated into Spanish as conga.
The word conga refers to the dance itself or the rhythmic music played during the dance. In many Spanish-speaking contexts, the word conga alone can refer to the dance itself or the rhythmic music played during the dance.
Meaning: kind of informal dance where people form a line (noun)
Which one should you use?
While conga refers to the dance or the rhythm, la fila de la conga is the standard way to refer to the physical line of people.
How do you pronounce it?
/konɡa/
Did you know?
- In a Spanish-speaking context, asking for la conga might result in someone handing you a drum rather than inviting you to a dance.
- In Cuba, the conga is a cornerstone of comparsas, which are highly organized and competitive street parades during Carnival.
- The word conga has roots in the rhythmic traditions of the Congo region, showing how musical terms traveled from Africa to the Americas via the Atlantic.
Examples in context
- La fiesta comenzó con una animada línea de conga.The party started with a lively conga line.
- La música de la fiesta empezó con una conga.The party music started with a conga line.
- ¿Quieres bailar la conga con nosotros?Do you want to dance the conga with us?
- Hicieron una conga larga por todo el salón.They formed a long conga line through the whole hall.
Example conversation
At a wedding reception, the music gets upbeat.
- Lucía¡Mateo, ven a bailar la conga!Mateo, come dance the conga!
- Mateo¡Claro! Me encanta la conga.Sure! I love the conga line.
- Lucía¡Mira qué larga es la conga!Look how long the conga line is!
- Mateo¡Es increíble, Lucía!It's incredible, Lucía!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
