pista de baile
/ˌpista de ˈbaile/feminine
The English phrase "dance floor" is translated into Spanish as pista de baile.
pista de baile refers to a specific area designated for dancing. In Spanish, the word pista is used for various surfaces intended for specific activities, such as a pista de aterrizaje (runway) or a pista de patinaje (skating rink).
Meaning: an area for dancing (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of pista, meaning track or floor and de baile, meaning of dance.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because pista is a feminine noun, you must use the feminine article la when referring to the dance floor as la pista de baile.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌpista de ˈbaile/
Did you know?
- While pista de baile is the standard term, the word pista on its own is also used in Spanish to mean a 'clue' or 'lead' in a detective investigation.
- The word pista shares an unexpected linguistic ancestor with the English word 'piston', as both derive from the same root describing a track or a stroke.
- In some Latin American contexts, saying someone is fuera de la pista can metaphorically mean they are out of touch or no longer in the spotlight.
Examples in context
- La pareja está en la pista de baile.The couple is on the dance floor.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use pista de baile when describing a couple's location.Tatoeba #1142157 by alexmarcelo, translation #1358561 by CK
- ¿Dónde se encuentra la pista de baile? Necesito mostrar mis movimientos de salsa.Where is the dance floor located? I need to show off my salsa moves.
- La mejor pista de baile en la ciudad.The best dance floor in town.
- La pista de baile está muy llena.The dance floor is very crowded.
- Busca una pista de baile amplia.Look for a spacious dance floor.
Example conversation
At a party, two friends are looking for a place to dance.
- AlejandroMaría, ¿ves la pista de baile?María, do you see the dance floor?
- MaríaSí, está allá junto a la barra.Yes, it is over there next to the bar.
- Alejandro¡Vamos! Quiero bailar contigo.Let's go! I want to dance with you.
- MaríaEstá bien, Alejandro, vamos.Alright, Alejandro, let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dance floor” translations and entries pista de baile, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries baile, de, pista, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
