Inklingo

How to Say "nightclub" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “nightclub” is “discoteca” — use this term for a general place where people go to dance and drink, especially at night. It is the most common and widely understood word for 'nightclub'.

discoteca🔊A1

Use this term for a general place where people go to dance and drink, especially at night. It is the most common and widely understood word for 'nightclub'.

Learn more →
club🔊B1

This word is often used for a venue focused on dancing and drinks, similar to 'discoteca', but can also refer to a members' club or a more exclusive establishment.

Learn more →
disco🔊B1

Use this term when the primary activity is dancing, often implying a place with disco music or a retro vibe. It's very similar to 'discoteca' but can sometimes feel slightly more dated or specific to music genre.

Learn more →
cabaréB1

Choose this word for a venue that features live stage performances, such as singing, dancing, or comedy shows, in addition to drinks. It is not typically used for a place solely for dancing.

Learn more →
English → Spanish

discoteca

dees-ko-TEH-kahdiskoˈteka

nounA1informal
Use this term for a general place where people go to dance and drink, especially at night. It is the most common and widely understood word for 'nightclub'.
A vibrant dance floor with silhouettes of people dancing under colorful lights and a disco ball.

Examples

Vamos a la discoteca esta noche.

We are going to the nightclub tonight.

¿A qué hora cierra la discoteca?

What time does the nightclub close?

La música en esa discoteca está muy fuerte.

The music in that club is very loud.

It's a Feminine Noun

Even though it ends in 'a', it's easy to remember it's feminine. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it: 'la discoteca'.

Using 'A' for Direction

When saying you are going 'to' the club, use 'a la discoteca'. If you are already 'at' the club, use 'en la discoteca'.

Don't just say 'Club'

Mistake: “Voy al club para bailar.”

Correction: Voy a la discoteca para bailar. In Spanish, 'club' can often mean a sports club or a social society, so 'discoteca' is clearer for dancing.

club

kloobklub

nounB1informal
This word is often used for a venue focused on dancing and drinks, similar to 'discoteca', but can also refer to a members' club or a more exclusive establishment.
Silhouettes of people dancing under colorful, pulsating lights in a dark room, illustrating a nightlife venue.

Examples

Vamos a un club esta noche para bailar.

Let's go to a club tonight to dance.

La entrada al club cuesta diez euros.

The entrance to the club costs ten euros.

disco

DEES-kohˈdisko

nounB1informal
Use this term when the primary activity is dancing, often implying a place with disco music or a retro vibe. It's very similar to 'discoteca' but can sometimes feel slightly more dated or specific to music genre.
An illustration of two silhouetted figures joyfully dancing under vibrant, multicolored nightclub lights.

Examples

¿Vamos al disco después de cenar?

Shall we go to the club after dinner?

El disco nuevo tiene música muy alta.

The new nightclub plays very loud music.

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “Using 'la disco' because the longer word 'discoteca' is feminine.”

Correction: Always say 'el disco' when referring to the club, even though it's a shortened form of a feminine word.

cabaré

nounB1
Choose this word for a venue that features live stage performances, such as singing, dancing, or comedy shows, in addition to drinks. It is not typically used for a place solely for dancing.

Examples

Fuimos a un cabaré en París para ver un espectáculo de baile.

We went to a cabaret in Paris to see a dance show.

Discoteca vs. Club vs. Cabaret

The most common mistake is using 'cabaré' for a regular dancing club. Remember that 'cabaré' specifically implies stage performances, while 'discoteca' and 'club' are general terms for places to dance and socialize.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.