tango
/ˈtanɡo/masculine
The English phrase "tango" is translated into Spanish as tango.
tango refers to the ballroom dance. In general conversation, when referring to the act of dancing the style, it is common to say bailar tango rather than using a definite article.
Meaning: ballroom dance (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
tango is a masculine noun. When used with a definite article, it is preceded by el, as in el tango. The plural form is tangos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtanɡo/
When do people say it?
Social gatherings specifically for tango dancers are known as a milonga.
Did you know?
- The word tango may actually have roots in Niger-Congo languages, reflecting the profound influence of African-descended communities in the development of the dance.
- In certain South American contexts, the word tango can be used to describe a specific mood of melancholic longing, which is captured by the concept of 'nostalgia'.
- The phrase el tango can sometimes be used as a metaphor for a complicated or passionate struggle between two people, not just a dance.
Examples in context
- ¿Quién te enseñó tango?Who taught you to tango?This sentence is useful for asking who taught someone tango.Tatoeba #7273247 by arh, translation #4134172 by CK
- ¿Podrías tocar un tango?Could you please play a tango?This sentence is useful for asking someone to play a piece of tango music.Tatoeba #5780020 by MrMultilingual, translation #2050604 by CK
- Ella detesta bailar tango.She hates dancing tango.This sentence is useful for expressing a dislike for dancing tango.Tatoeba #1769227 by marcelostockle, translation #12197102 by Miktsoanit
- El tango es un baile apasionante de origen rioplatense.The tango is a passionate dance of Rioplatense origin.
- ¿Vienes a la milonga esta noche?Are you coming to the milonga tonight?
- Me enamoré del tango porque siento que cuenta la historia de mi gente.I fell in love with tango because it tells the story of my people.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are at a dance studio.
- AlejandroElena, ¿quieres aprender tango conmigo?Elena, do you want to learn tango with me?
- ElenaMe encantaría, pero no sé bailar tango.I would love to, but I don't know how to dance tango.
- AlejandroNo te preocupes, el tango es muy apasionado.Don't worry, tango is very passionate.
- ElenaEstá bien, Alejandro, vamos a intentarlo.All right, Alejandro, let's try it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tango” translations and entries tango, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tango, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
