Translation guide
The activity or art of moving rhythmically to music. In Japanese, the most common word is ダンス, but there are also traditional terms like 踊り and 舞踊. The choice depends on context: Western-style social/performance dance vs. traditional Japanese dance.
To refer to dancing as a recreational activity, performance, or art form, especially in a modern or Western context.
The most common and versatile word for dancing in modern Japanese. It covers social dancing, club dancing, and many performance styles. Often used in compounds like ダンスパーティー (dance party) or ダンススクール (dance school).
週末は友達とダンスに行きます。
On weekends I go dancing with friends.
彼女はダンスがとても上手です。
She is very good at dancing.
A native Japanese word for dance. It can refer to dancing in general, but often implies traditional Japanese dance or a specific style. In casual speech, it's used alongside ダンス.
盆踊りは夏の風物詩です。
Bon dancing is a summer tradition.
彼は踊りが好きです。
He likes dancing.
A more formal term for dance, often used in artistic or classical contexts, such as 日本舞踊 (traditional Japanese dance) or 現代舞踊 (modern dance as an art form).
彼女は舞踊の道を志しています。
She aspires to pursue a career in dance.
To refer specifically to classical or folk dances of Japan, such as Noh, Kabuki, or Bon Odori.
The standard term for traditional Japanese dance as a performing art. Often abbreviated as 日舞 (にちぶ).
日本舞踊を習っています。
I'm learning traditional Japanese dance.
In context, 踊り can refer to folk dances like 盆踊り or 阿波踊り. It's less formal than 舞踊.
A more refined, often slower and more stylized dance, as in Noh or Kagura. Contrasts with 踊り (odori), which is more lively and rhythmic.
能の舞は静かで美しいです。
Noh dancing is quiet and beautiful.
To describe the action of dancing, as in 'to dance'.
The most common verb for 'to dance'. It can be used for any kind of dancing, from club dancing to traditional dance.
音楽に合わせて踊りましょう。
Let's dance to the music.
彼は一晩中踊っていた。
He danced all night.
A verb formed from ダンス, often used for Western-style social or performance dancing. Slightly more modern/casual feel.
一緒にダンスしませんか？
Would you like to dance with me?
A more poetic or literary verb for dancing, often implying a graceful, floating movement. Used for butterflies, cherry blossoms, or classical dance.
蝶が花の間を舞っている。
Butterflies are dancing among the flowers.
To talk about a dance performance, a dance party, or a specific type of dance.
A dance party or social dance event. Often shortened to ダンスパ.
今夜はダンスパーティーがあります。
There's a dance party tonight.
A formal ball or dance, like a debutante ball or a masquerade. Has a classical, European connotation.
A dance performance or recital, often used for staged productions.
来月、ダンス公演を観に行きます。
I'm going to see a dance performance next month.
ダンス is the default for modern/Western dance. 踊り is broader and can include traditional dance, but is also used casually. 舞踊 is formal and artistic. Use ダンス for most everyday situations.
ヒップホップダンスを習っている。
I'm learning hip-hop dance.
盆踊りに参加した。
I participated in the Bon dance.
舞踊 sounds very formal and is not used for casual dancing. Using it for a nightclub or party would sound strange.
Awa Odori is a famous dance from Tokushima.
シンデレラは舞踏会で王子様と踊りました。
Cinderella danced with the prince at the ball.