verb

bailar

dance

Mover el cuerpo siguiendo el ritmo de la música, generalmente para divertirse o expresar emociones.

Definition & meaning

  • To dance: The primary meaning is to move the body rhythmically, usually to music, in a sequence of steps or movements.
  • To move unsteadily: It can also refer to an object that is loose or unstable. For example, if a table leg does not touch the floor properly and wobbles, one might say the table "baila".
  • To fluctuate: In informal contexts or economic settings, it can refer to numbers or data that are inconsistent or changing.

Grammar & Word origin

  • Grammar: It is a regular -ar verb. It is intransitive when referring to the act of dancing, though it can be used transitively in specific contexts (e.g., "bailar un vals" - to dance a waltz).
  • Word origin: The word originates from the Occitan "ballar" and the late Latin "ballare", which itself comes from the Greek "ballizein" (to throw about, to dance).

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

  • Danzar : A more formal or artistic term for dancing.
  • Zapatear : To dance specifically by stamping or rhythmically tapping the feet.
  • Moverse : Often used when referring to the rhythmic motion of the body.
  • Oscilar : Used when referring to the secondary meaning of an object being loose or unstable.

Antonyms

  • Pararse : To stop or stand still.
  • Quedarse quieto : To remain motionless or still.
  • Fijarse : To become fixed or stable (the opposite of an object being loose/wobbly).

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Examples

Me encanta bailar en las fiestas.verb

I love to dance at parties.

Nos gusta bailar en el parque.verb

We like to dance in the park.

Ellos quieren bailar en la fiesta.verb

They want to dance at the party.

María puede bailar muy bien.verb

María can dance very well.

Ayer bailamos en la playa.verb

Yesterday we danced on the beach.

¿Puedes bailar conmigo esta noche?verb

Can you dance with me tonight?

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