Spanish word

bailar

Pronunciation

IPA/baiˈlaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbdance

Example

¿Quieres bailar esta noche?

Do you want to dance tonight?

Illustration for bailar (dance)

More examples

Quiero bailar, pero aún no sé cómo.

I want to dance, but I don't yet know how.

Core concept

Bodies moving to musical rhythm.

Common phrases

  • saber bailar

    be able to dance

  • aprender a bailar

    learn how to dance

Similar words

moverse: Changing or shifting the body's position or posture, not necessarily linked to music or dance.

Definition in Spanish

Mover el cuerpo al compás de la música para expresar emociones, participar en una danza o divertirse, solo o en pareja.

Word origin

The verb comes from Medieval Latin ballare, a Romance verb preserved in Italian ballare and related forms.

Usage tips

  • Bailar is the usual, everyday verb for 'dance', while danzar is more formal or literary and appears less often in casual speech.

Related words

Word lists with this word