bailar contigo
/bailaɾ kontiɡo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "dance with you" is translated into Spanish as bailar contigo.
To perform a dance together with another person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the infinitive verb bailar (to dance) and the prepositional pronoun contigo (with you).
Is it said differently in some regions?
The informal phrase ¿Nos echamos un baile? is often used in Spain.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are speaking to someone in a formal context or showing respect, you should replace contigo with con usted. In Spain, if you are addressing a group of people you are on familiar terms with, you use con vosotros instead of contigo. To say 'dance with you all' in Latin American Spanish, use con ustedes instead of contigo.
How do you pronounce it?
/bailaɾ kontiɡo/
Did you know?
- While bailar contigo is the standard phrase, in certain Caribbean regions, people may use the word azotar (to whip) in slang expressions about dancing with high energy.
- The verb bailar shares a surprising common ancestor with the Greek word bállō, which means 'to throw'. This suggests that dancing was once conceptually linked to the act of throwing one's body or movements.
- In some Latin American contexts, the act of dancing is so central to social bonding that bailar can be used metaphorically to describe being manipulated or 'led' by someone in a situation.
Examples in context
- Hoy deseo bailar contigo.I want to dance with you today.This sentence shows how to express a desire to dance with someone today using bailar contigo.Tatoeba #6830783 by arh, translation #9524995 by DJ_Saidez
- Hoy tengo que bailar contigo.I have to dance with you today.This sentence shows an obligation to dance with someone today using bailar contigo.Tatoeba #6830793 by arh, translation #7839684 by shekitten
- Me gustaría bailar contigo hoy.I would like to dance with you today.This sentence shows a polite way to express a preference for dancing with someone today using bailar contigo.Tatoeba #6830782 by arh, translation #7822733 by eggershead
- ¿Le gustaría bailar conmigo?Would you like to dance with me?
- ¿Acepta bailar conmigo?Would you accept dancing with me?
- ¿Bailas conmigo?Do you want to dance with me?
- ¿Nos echamos un baile?Shall we have a dance?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a wedding reception, Daniel approaches Elena on the dance floor.
- DanielElena, ¿quieres bailar conmigo?Elena, do you want to dance with me?
- ElenaSí, me encantaría bailar contigo.Yes, I would love to dance with you.
- DanielEsta canción es perfecta para bailar contigo.This song is perfect to dance with you.
- ElenaEres muy amable, Daniel.You are very kind, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bailar, contigo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
