Translation guide
The English word 'dance' can refer to the activity of dancing, a specific style or genre, a social event, or the art form. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
Expressing the action of dancing in a general sense.
The most common verb for 'to dance'. Used for most types of dancing, especially traditional, freestyle, or expressive dancing.
彼女は音楽に合わせて踊った。
She danced to the music.
一緒に踊りませんか？
Would you like to dance?
Loanword from English, often used for Western-style social or performance dancing (e.g., ballroom, hip-hop). Can sound more modern or specific than 踊る.
週末に友達とダンスするのが好きです。
I like to dance with friends on weekends.
A more literary or traditional verb for dancing, often implying graceful, flowing movements. Used in contexts like Noh or butterfly dancing.
蝶が花の間を舞っている。
Butterflies are dancing among the flowers.
Referring to a single dance performance or a specific dance number.
Noun meaning 'a dance' or 'dancing'. Can refer to a performance or a style.
彼の踊りはとても美しかった。
His dance was very beautiful.
Noun for 'dance', often used for specific genres or events.
次のダンスはワルツです。
The next dance is a waltz.
Talking about dance in a cultural, artistic, or categorical sense.
Refers to dance as a performing art, especially traditional Japanese dance or artistic dance.
日本舞踊を習っています。
I am learning Japanese dance.
Commonly used for modern or Western dance genres.
Often used in traditional contexts, such as Noh or Kagura, emphasizing slow, stylized movement.
神楽舞は神社で奉納されます。
Kagura dance is performed at shrines.
Referring to a social gathering where people dance.
Direct loanword for 'dance party'. Common for school or social events.
学校でダンスパーティーがあります。
There is a dance party at school.
Formal ball or dance, often used for Western-style formal events.
A gathering for dancing, often traditional or community-based.
町の踊りの会に参加した。
I participated in the town's dance gathering.
踊る (odoru) is the native Japanese verb and is more general. ダンスする (dansu suru) is a loanword and often implies a specific style or social dancing. In many contexts, they are interchangeable, but 踊る is safer for traditional or freestyle dancing.
English uses 'dance' metaphorically (e.g., 'dance around the issue'). Japanese does not use 踊る in the same figurative way. Use expressions like 言葉を濁す (ことばをにごす) for 'beat around the bush'.
Hip-hop dance is popular among young people.
彼女は舞踏会で王子と踊った。
She danced with the prince at the ball.