ריקוד
rikúd/ʁiˈkud/
In Hebrew, the word for dance is ריקוד (rikúd).
The word ריקוד refers to the act of moving rhythmically to music. It can function as a noun meaning a dance or movements to music.
Meaning: move rhythmically to music (verb)
Which one should you use?
While ריקוד (rikúd) is the common word for a dance, מָחוֹל (machól) is a more formal or literary term that specifically refers to a dance or a dance performance as a performing art.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun ריקוד (rikúd) is derived from the verb לְרַקֵּד (leraked), which means 'to dance'. The plural form of the noun is רִקּוּדִים (rikúdím). Note that when speaking about dance studios or dance classes, Hebrew often uses the plural ריקודים (rikúdím) instead of the singular.
How do you pronounce it?
rikúd
Did you know?
- In biblical Hebrew, the term מָחוֹל (machól) is frequently used to describe religious ecstasy and the act of praising the Divine.
- The root of the formal word מָחוֹל (machól) is shared with words for 'swinging' or 'circling', emphasizing the physical motion of the movement.
- The verb לְרַקֵּד (leraked) is part of the 'Piél' verb group, which is used in Hebrew to denote an intensified or active version of an action.
Examples in context
- היא מפעילה אולם ריקודים.She runs a dance studio.This sentence shows how to use the plural form ריקודים when referring to a dance studio.Tatoeba #1894617 by MrShoval, translation #1894257 by Spamster
- תום ומרי נפגשו במסיבת ריקודים.Tom and Mary met at a dance.This sentence shows the use of ריקודים when referring to a dance event.Tatoeba #4871687 by fekundulo, translation #4850014 by CK
- כל ריקוד נראה יפה, אם הוא מהלב.Any dance looks beautiful, if it's danced from the heart.This sentence illustrates the use of the singular form ריקוד.Tatoeba #2082134 by fekundulo, translation #2081539 by JonLDS
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a wedding party.
- עגור Adiדניאל, אתה רוצה ללכת לריקוד?Daniel, ata rotze lalechet lerikud?Daniel, do you want to go for a dance?
- דניאל Danielכן, אני אוהב ריקוד מאוד.Ken, ani ohev rikud me'od.Yes, I love dancing very much.
- עגור Adiבוא נראה את הריקוד של החתן והכלה.Bo nir'e et harikud shel hakhatan vehakalah.Let's watch the dance of the groom and bride.
- דניאל Danielזה באמת נראה כמו ריקוד מקצועי.Ze be'emet nir'e kemo rikud miktzo'i.It really looks like a professional dance.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ריקוד, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
