vals
/ˈbals/masculine
The English phrase "waltz" is vals in Spanish.
vals is a masculine noun referring to the ballroom dance. To describe the action of performing the dance, you can use the verb valsar, but it is much more common to use the phrase bailar un vals.
Meaning: a ballroom dance (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, you may encounter El Vals Criollo, which refers specifically to the creole waltz.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As a masculine noun, vals is used with the masculine definite article el (e.g., el vals).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbals/
When do people say it?
Terms such as El Vals Lento can be used to refer to the slow waltz.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word vals shares an ancient Indo-European root with the English word 'wrestle', as both ultimately stem from the concept of 'turning' or 'twisting'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, el vals is the traditional centerpiece of a 'quinceañera' party to mark a girl's transition to womanhood.
- While vals is the dance, Spanish speakers often use the word compás to describe the specific 3/4 time signature essential to the music.
Examples in context
- Él tocó un vals en su acordeón.He played a waltz on his accordion.This sentence shows how to use vals when describing music played on an instrument.Tatoeba #11952750 by Eremon, translation #7385753 by CH
- Ella tocó un vals en su acordeón.She played a waltz on her accordion.Tatoeba #11952751 by Eremon, translation #7385754 by CH
- La historia es como un vals, que sigue eternamente los tres pasos de guerra, paz y revolución.History is like a waltz, eternally following the three steps of war, peace and revolution.This sentence uses vals in a metaphorical context regarding history.Tatoeba #1345686 by Shishir, translation #1345252 by Chrikaru
- El vals es una danza clásica de movimientos suaves y elegantes.The waltz is a classical dance with smooth and elegant movements.
- El vals vienés es un baile que se originó en Viena, Austria.The Viennese waltz is a dance that originated in Vienna, Austria.
- ¿Has bailado el baile del vals en alguna ocasión?Have you ever danced the waltz?
- En los países latinoamericanos, el vals criollo es una danza tradicional muy querida.In Latin American countries, the creole waltz is a beloved traditional dance.
- Bailaron el vals lento en la boda, y fue muy emotivo.They danced the slow waltz at the wedding, and it was very emotional.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are at a social dance event.
- DanielElena, ¿quieres bailar un vals conmigo?Elena, do you want to dance a waltz with me?
- Elena¡Claro! Me encanta ese vals.Of course! I love that waltz.
- DanielEs una música muy elegante.It is very elegant music.
- ElenaSí, Daniel, es muy romántica.Yes, Daniel, it is very romantic.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “waltz” translations and entries vals, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vals, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
