Spanish word

chachachá

Pronunciation

IPA/tʃatʃaˈtʃa/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncha-cha-cha

Example

¿Te gusta chachachá?

Do you like cha-cha-cha?

Illustration for chachachá (cha-cha-cha)

More examples

En la clase de esta semana bailamos chachachá.

In this week's class we danced cha-cha-cha.

Core concept

Marked three-syllable onomatopoeic rhythm that drives short partnered steps.

Common phrases

  • baile de chachachá

    cha-cha-cha dance

  • clase de chachachá

    cha-cha-cha class

  • música de chachachá

    cha-cha-cha music

Similar words

salsa: Upbeat Caribbean partner dance that favors fast tempo, quick turns, and energetic footwork.
mambo: Percussive Cuban partner dance with pronounced accents and dramatic, punchy steps.
rumba: Slow Cuban partner dance focusing on romantic, expressive movement and measured timing.
merengue: Fast Dominican partner dance with a driving one-step rhythm and simple, repeated side steps.

Definition in Spanish

Género musical y baile cubano, creado en los años 1950, caracterizado por un ritmo marcado en tres sonidos «cha-cha-chá» y por pasos cortos que se bailan en pareja.

Word origin

The term comes from the vocal imitation cha-cha-chá that Cuban composer Enrique Jorrín introduces in the early 1950s when he simplifies danzón and mambo rhythms.

Usage tips

  • Chachachá denotes both the musical genre and the partner dance, so using a verb such as bailar or clarifying context shows whether reference is to the music or the dancing.

Opposites

Related words

  • chachacherocha-cha-cha performernoun

Word lists with this word