Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'dancer' depends on the type of dance and context. The most common term is ダンサー (dansā), a loanword from English, used broadly for professional or trained dancers. For traditional Japanese dance, 踊り手 (odorite) is used. Other terms specify roles like ballet dancer or background dancer.
The speaker wants to refer to someone who dances, typically in a performance or professional context.
The most common and neutral term for a dancer, borrowed from English. Used for dancers in ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, etc. Can refer to both professional and amateur dancers in performance contexts.
彼女はプロのダンサーです。
She is a professional dancer.
ダンサーを募集しています。
We are looking for dancers.
Literally 'dancing person'. Used for traditional Japanese dance (日本舞踊) or folk dance. Can also refer to the performer of a specific dance. Less common for Western-style dance.
彼は日本舞踊の踊り手です。
He is a performer of traditional Japanese dance.
A formal term for a dancer, especially in traditional Japanese dance or as an artist. Implies a high level of artistry and professionalism.
彼は著名な舞踊家です。
He is a renowned dancer.
The speaker specifically means a dancer who performs ballet.
The standard term for a ballet dancer. Can be used for both male and female dancers.
彼はバレエダンサーになりたいです。
He wants to become a ballet dancer.
Specifically refers to a female ballet dancer, especially a principal dancer. Borrowed from Italian via English.
The speaker refers to a dancer who performs as part of a group, often in pop concerts, TV shows, or musicals.
Wasei-eigo (Japanese-made English) for 'backup dancer'. Refers to dancers who perform behind the main artist.
彼は有名な歌手のバックダンサーをしています。
He works as a backup dancer for a famous singer.
Also used generally for dancers in shows, musicals, or revues.
The speaker refers to a performer of traditional Japanese dance forms like Nihon Buyō or Kabuki dance.
A formal term for a professional performer of Nihon Buyō (Japanese traditional dance).
彼女は日本舞踊家として活躍しています。
She is active as a traditional Japanese dancer.
Can be used for traditional dance performers, but less formal than 日本舞踊家.
祭りで踊り手が踊っていました。
Dancers were dancing at the festival.
The speaker refers to a person who dances for fun, at parties, or as a hobby, not professionally.
There is no single common word for a non-professional dancer. Instead, use a relative clause: 踊る人 (person who dances) or ダンスが好きな人 (person who likes dancing).
彼は踊るのが好きな人です。
He is someone who likes to dance.
パーティーでよく踊る人
a person who often dances at parties
Sometimes used jokingly or loosely for someone who dances well socially, but it primarily implies a professional or trained dancer.
Using ダンサー for a casual dancer may sound exaggerated or sarcastic.
踊り手 (odorite) is strongly associated with traditional Japanese dance. Using it for a ballet or hip-hop dancer would sound odd. Stick to ダンサー for modern dance forms.
ヒップホップの踊り手
hip-hop dancer (unnatural)
ヒップホップダンサー
hip-hop dancer (natural)
ダンサー is the default for most dance genres. 踊り手 is reserved for traditional Japanese dance or folk dance. 舞踊家 is even more formal and artistic.
彼女は有名なバレリーナです。
She is a famous ballerina.
ミュージカルのダンサーを目指しています。
I aim to be a dancer in musicals.
He's a real dancer on the dance floor, isn't he?