踊り

• Reading: おどり
• Romaji: odori
• Kanji breakdown: 踊 (you/odo) — dance, leap
• Pronunciation: /o.do.ɾi/

Meaning

A dance; dancing. A general word for traditional or folk dance.

The noun form of the verb 踊る (odoru, to dance). Often used for traditional Japanese dances such as 盆踊り (bon odori, Bon festival dance). Compared to ダンス, which refers to Western-style dance, 踊り has a more traditional Japanese feel.

Examples

1. 夏祭りで踊りを見ました。 I watched the dancing at the summer festival.
2. 日本の踊りを習いたいです。 I want to learn Japanese dancing.
3. 子どもたちが楽しそうに踊りをしている。 The children are happily dancing.

Usage Guide

Context: festivals, traditional culture, performance

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Noun form of the verb 踊る (odoru, to dance). The kanji 踊 combines 足 (ashi, foot) and 甬 (a phonetic element), depicting movement with the feet.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal