Dance meanings in Japanese

踊る (おどる, odoru)

Example:

She loves to dance at parties.

彼女はパーティーで踊るのが好きです。

They danced together under the stars.

彼らは星の下で一緒に踊りました。

Usage: informalContext: Social gatherings, celebrations, performances

Note: This is the most common usage of 'dance' as a verb, referring to moving rhythmically to music.

ダンス (dansu)

Example:

She takes dance classes every week.

彼女は毎週ダンスのクラスを受けています。

They performed a dance at the festival.

彼らは祭りでダンスを披露しました。

Usage: formal/informalContext: Dance as an art form, classes, performances

Note: This term is used to refer to dance as a concept or art form, often in formal settings.

舞 (まい, mai)

Example:

She performed a traditional dance.

彼女は伝統的な舞を披露しました。

The dancer's movements were graceful and elegant.

その舞手の動きは優雅でエレガントでした。

Usage: formalContext: Traditional performances, classical dance forms

Note: This term is often used in the context of traditional Japanese dance, such as Noh or Kabuki.

ステップ (sutepu)

Example:

I learned a new dance step today.

今日は新しいダンスステップを学びました。

Can you teach me this step?

このステップを教えてくれますか？

Usage: informalContext: Dance classes, casual learning

Note: This term refers specifically to a particular movement or pattern in dance.

バレエ (baree)

Example:

She wants to study ballet dance.

彼女はバレエを学びたいです。

Ballet requires a lot of discipline.

バレエは多くの規律を必要とします。

Usage: formalContext: Classical dance forms, training, performances

Note: This term refers specifically to ballet, a highly technical form of dance.

ballet

Ballet is a form of dance that involves precise movements and techniques often performed to classical music.

Example: She has been practicing ballet for years.

Note: Ballet is a specific style of dance that is more structured and formal compared to general dancing.

tango

Tango is a type of ballroom dance that originated in Argentina and Uruguay, characterized by dramatic poses and sharp movements.

Example: They danced a passionate tango at the competition.

Note: Tango is a specific dance style with its own set of steps and techniques, distinct from other forms of dance.

salsa

Salsa is a lively and rhythmic Latin dance style that originated in the Caribbean, typically danced to salsa music.

Example: They took salsa lessons to improve their dancing skills.

Note: Salsa is a partner dance that involves intricate footwork and hip movements, differentiating it from more solo-oriented dance styles.

waltz

The waltz is a smooth and elegant ballroom dance in triple time, characterized by a strong accent on the first beat of the measure.

Example: The couple gracefully waltzed across the ballroom floor.

Note: The waltz has a distinct rhythm and tempo compared to other dance styles, emphasizing flowing movements and close partner connection.

Dance to the beat of your own drum

To behave in an independent and unique way, not following the crowd.

Example: She doesn't follow trends; she dances to the beat of her own drum.

Note: This phrase emphasizes individuality and independence rather than physical dancing.

Dance around the issue

Avoiding addressing a topic directly or skirting around the main point.

Example: Stop dancing around the issue and tell me what's really going on.

Note: In this context, 'dance' is used metaphorically to mean avoiding a direct approach or answer.

Lead someone a merry dance

To cause someone a lot of trouble or difficulty by behaving badly or not cooperating.

Example: The kids led their babysitter a merry dance all evening.

Note: This phrase uses 'dance' in a figurative sense to convey a challenging or troublesome situation.

Dance attendance on someone

To cater to someone's every need or desire, often in a subservient manner.

Example: She expected him to dance attendance on her every whim.

Note: Here, 'dance' implies serving or attending to someone's needs diligently, like a performer entertaining an audience.

Dance on air

To feel extremely happy, elated, or euphoric.

Example: After receiving the good news, she felt like she was dancing on air.

Note: This phrase uses 'dance' to depict a feeling of lightness and joy, akin to floating or being weightless.

Dance like nobody's watching

To dance freely and uninhibitedly, without worrying about others' opinions.

Example: At the party, she decided to just dance like nobody's watching.

Note: This phrase emphasizes dancing without self-consciousness or restraint, embracing freedom and authenticity.

Bust a move

To start dancing or to make a flashy or skillful dance move.

Example: Hey, check out those dancers busting a move on the dance floor!

Note: This slang term implies a more dynamic and energetic style of dancing compared to simply 'dancing.'

Cut a rug

To dance exceptionally well or with great enthusiasm.

Example: They really know how to cut a rug at that club!

Note: This slang term emphasizes skilled and lively dancing compared to a regular dance.

Get down

To dance energetically and have a great time.

Example: Let's get down on the dance floor tonight!

Note: It specifically refers to getting into the groove and enjoying oneself through dancing.

Boogie

To dance to pop or rock music in a wild and energetic way.

Example: The music is so funky, let's boogie all night long!

Note: It conveys a sense of fun and carefree movement, often associated with a lively dance style.

Shake a leg

To start moving or dancing, usually urging someone to hurry up or start doing something.

Example: Come on, shake a leg! The party's starting soon.

Note: This slang term combines a light-hearted invitation to dance or move with a sense of urgency or readiness.

Hit the dance floor

To start dancing, particularly in a social setting like a party or club.

Example: It's time to hit the dance floor and show off our moves!

Note: This term specifically refers to engaging in dancing in a social setting, often with the aim of enjoying oneself or entertaining others.

Cut loose

To relax and have fun by dancing freely and with abandon.

Example: After a stressful week, it's time to cut loose and dance the night away.

Note: It suggests freeing oneself from inhibitions or constraints and fully immersing in the joy of dancing.

I love to dance to my favorite songs.

She took dance lessons for years.

The ballet dancer performed a beautiful dance.

Dance - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)

Lemma: dance

Conjugations

Noun, plural (Noun, plural): dances, dance

Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): dance

Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): danced

Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): dancing

Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): dances

Verb, base form (Verb, base form): dance

Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): dance

Syllables, Separation and Stress

dance Contains 1 syllables: dance

Phonetic transcription: ˈdan(t)s

dance , ˈdan(t)s (The red syllable is stressed)

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.

dance: ~ 2400 (Very common).

This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Dance