menari
/məˈnari/
To dance in Indonesian is menari.
The verb menari is used to describe the action of moving rhythmically to music.
Meaning: move rhythmically to music (verb)
Which one should you use?
While menari is the standard term, joget is used to describe more casual, social or rhythmic dancing, typically in a festive or folk context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Sundanese region, tayuban and jaipongan are popular traditional dances.
How does it change in a sentence?
To turn the verb menari into the noun meaning a specific dance or the art form, use tarian. To refer to a person who dances, use penari.
How do you pronounce it?
/məˈnari/
When do people say it?
Joget refers to a lively and energetic dance associated with Malay and Javanese cultures.
Did you know?
- Certain traditional Indonesian dances use 'Gamelan' orchestras where the dancers actually lead the musicians through subtle cues rather than following the beat.
- In some Indonesian traditions, the act of menari is seen as a form of meditation or prayer where the dancer's body becomes a vessel for a divine spirit.
- Classical tarian from Java and Bali often utilize 'seledet', a sharp and rhythmic flick of the eyes that is considered as essential as the footwork.
Examples in context
- Kamu bisa menari, kan?You can dance, can't you?This sentence shows how to use menari in a question about ability.Tatoeba #4323186 by Bilmanda, translation #69890 by CK
- Aku sangat suka menari.I really like to dance.This sentence demonstrates expressing a preference for menari.Tatoeba #10653388 by HAGNi, translation #10062021 by shekitten
- Mereka tidak bisa menari.They can't dance.This sentence shows how to use menari in a negative statement regarding ability.Tatoeba #11900681 by Pacific, translation #4593303 by Jesse
- Apakah Anda bisa menari?Can you dance?
- Saya sedang menariI am dancing
- Dia suka menari di malam hariShe enjoys dancing in the evening
- Ayo ngedance bareng!Let's dance together!
- Dia suka joget di acara pernikahanHe enjoys dancing at weddings
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Indah and Budi are at a wedding party.
- IndahApakah kamu ingin menari denganku?Do you want to dance with me?
- BudiTentu saja, Indah. Mari kita menari.Of course, Indah. Let's dance.
- IndahMusik ini sangat bagus untuk menari.This music is very good for dancing.
- BudiIya, aku sangat senang menari di sini.Yes, I am very happy to dance here.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry menari, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
