bailar tango
/bailaɾ tanɡo/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase for tango dance is bailar tango.
The phrase refers to the act of dancing the tango, a partner dance that originated in Argentina and Uruguay. You can use the verbal phrase bailar tango to describe the action, or use the noun phrase el baile del tango to refer to the dance itself as a concept or a performance.
Which one should you use?
While bailar tango describes the activity of dancing, el baile del tango is a noun phrase used when referring to the dance as a specific concept or performance. Additionally, La danza del tango is a more formal way to express the idea of the tango dance.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, you may encounter the local terms el dos por cuatro or el baile porteño in relation to the tango. In Uruguay, the expression el tango rioplatense is used to indicate the dance's connection to the River Plate region.
How does it change in a sentence?
It is very common and natural to say bailar el tango by adding the definite article el before tango to refer to the specific dance style.
How do you pronounce it?
/bailaɾ tanɡo/
Did you know?
- There is a traditional custom called la cabeceo, where a dancer asks another to dance using only a nod of the head and eye contact from across the room.
- In Argentina, the tango was once banned by the upper classes because it was considered too provocative due to the close physical contact of the dancers.
- The word tango may have originated from a Niger-Congo language, reflecting the historical influence of African populations in the River Plate region where the dance was born.
Examples in context
- Buenos días, ¿está interesado/a en aprender el baile de tango?Good morning, are you interested in learning tango dance?
- ¡Hola! ¿Quieres bailar tango?Hi! Do you want to dance tango?
- La danza del tango argentino es una expresión artística llena de pasión.Tango dance is an artistic expression full of passion.
- Nos encanta bailar tango.We love to dance tango.
- Nos encanta bailar tango en Buenos Aires.We love to dance tango in Buenos Aires.
- ¿Quieres bailar tango conmigo esta noche?Do you want to dance tango with me tonight?
- Ella practica mucho para bailar tango profesionalmente.She practices a lot to dance tango professionally.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are at a social dance event.
- MaríaMateo, ¿te gustaría bailar tango?Mateo, would you like to dance tango?
- MateoSí, me encantaría bailar tango contigo, María.Yes, I would love to dance tango with you, María.
- MaríaLa música es perfecta para bailar tango.The music is perfect to dance tango.
- MateoTienes razón, vamos a la pista.You are right, let's go to the dance floor.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
