Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| bailar | /baiˈlaɾ/ |
| danzar | /danˈθaɾ/ /danˈsaɾ/ |
The primary verb for moving rhythmically to music is bailar. This is the standard term used for social dancing at events such as weddings, clubs or parties.
Which one should you use?
While bailar is the common, everyday verb for dancing, danzar is used in a more formal or artistic context, often referring to stylized or traditional dance.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions of Latin America, you may hear the term rumbear used to mean to dance. Additionally, in some Latin American countries like Mexico and Venezuela, the slang term pachanga is used to describe a lively and energetic dance party.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to suggest that a group of people dance together, you can use the form bailemos (let's dance).
How do you pronounce it?
/baiˈlaɾ/
When do people say it?
When engaging in social settings, bailar is the appropriate verb for the festivities. In certain contexts, a lively party might be referred to as a pachanga.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, baile can refer to a dance as a noun, but it is also used to describe a 'scolding' or a 'beating' in certain slang contexts.
- The root of bailar traces back to the Ancient Greek word bállō, which means 'to throw'.
- In various Spanish-speaking countries, sacar a bailar is the standard way to ask someone to dance, literally meaning 'to take out to dance'.
Examples in context
- Yo ni sé bailar.I don't even know how to dance.This sentence shows how to express a lack of ability to use the verb bailar.Tatoeba #6157049 by marcelostockle, translation #3672940 by Hybrid
- La saqué a bailar.I asked her to dance.This sentence demonstrates inviting someone to engage in the action of bailar.Tatoeba #943743 by hayastan, translation #1344888 by CK
- Ella lo vio bailar.She watched him dance.This sentence describes the act of watching someone perform the verb bailar.Tatoeba #1348692 by marcelostockle, translation #887575 by CK
- El baile es una expresión artísticaDance is an artistic expression
- La danza clásica es hermosaClassical dance is beautiful
- Voy a bailar en la galaI'm going to dance at the gala
- Vamos a salir de fiesta y echarnos un bailoteoLet's go out and have a dance party
- La fiesta fue una gran pachangaThe party was a great dance party
- Me gusta bailar salsa.I like to dance salsa.
- Los bailarines están practicando ballet.The dancers are practicing ballet.
- En la fiesta, todos hicieron hula.At the party, everyone did the hula.
- 150 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are at a wedding party.
- MaríaAlejandro, ¿quieres bailar conmigo?Alejandro, do you want to dance with me?
- AlejandroSí, me encanta bailar salsa.Yes, I love to dance salsa.
- María¡Qué bien! Vamos a la pista.That's great! Let's go to the dance floor.
- AlejandroTú guías, yo solo sigo el ritmo.You lead, I'll just follow the rhythm.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dance” translations and entries bailar, danzar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bailar, danzar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
