ダンス

• Reading: だんす
• Romaji: dansu
• Pronunciation: /da.ɴ.sɯ/

Meaning

Dance; dancing. The activity or art form of moving rhythmically to music.

A katakana loanword from English that functions as a noun and suru verb (ダンスする). Used for Western-style dancing such as social dance, ballroom, or hip-hop. Distinguished from 踊り (odori), which typically refers to traditional Japanese dance. Common phrases: ダンスを踊る (to perform a dance), ダンス教室 (dance class).

Examples

1. 結婚式でダンスを踊った。 We danced at the wedding.
2. 彼女は小さい頃からダンス教室に通っている。 She's been attending dance classes since she was little.
3. みんなで音楽に合わせてダンスした。 Everyone danced together to the music.

Usage Guide

Context: entertainment, hobbies, events

Tone: cheerful

Origin & History

Borrowed from English 'dance' in the Meiji era as Western ballroom dancing was introduced to Japan. The katakana ダンス specifically refers to Western-style dance, while native Japanese dance forms use 踊り or 舞.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal