baile
“baile” means “dance” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
dance, ball
Also: party
📝 In Action
Me encanta el baile flamenco.
A1I love flamenco dancing.
¿Vas a ir al baile de la escuela el viernes?
A2Are you going to the school dance on Friday?
Organizaron un baile de caridad para recaudar fondos.
B1They organized a charity ball to raise funds.
dance
📝 In Action
Mi profesor quiere que yo baile en el festival.
A2My teacher wants me to dance in the festival.
No creo que él baile tango.
B1I don't think that he dances tango.
Señor, ¡baile con su esposa!
A2Sir, dance with your wife!
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: baile
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'baile' as a noun meaning a dance event?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the verb 'bailar', which itself entered Spanish from the French 'baller' (to dance). This root traces back to the Late Latin word 'ballāre', also meaning 'to dance'. It's a relative of English words like 'ball' (a formal dance) and 'ballet'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'baile' and 'danza'?
'Baile' is what you do for fun at a party or a club; it's social dancing. 'Danza' is more like an art form, something you'd see performed on a stage, like ballet or contemporary dance. Think 'dancing' (baile) vs. 'dance' as art (danza).
When do I use 'baile' vs. 'baila'?
'Baila' is the simple present form for 'he/she/you (formal) dances' (Ella baila salsa). It's also the command you give to a friend (¡Baila!). 'Baile' is a special form used after expressions of wish, doubt, or emotion ('Espero que ella baile') and for formal commands ('¡Baile usted!').