ダンスdansu

JLPT N3approx.Common
Definitions
  1. noun, suru verb, intransitive verbdance; dancing
    ダンスはスタイルをよくするのにいい。↗
    Dancing is good for the figure.
Conjugation
Dictionary formダンスする
Polite (masu)ダンスします
Negative (nai)ダンスしない
polite (masen)ダンスしません
classical zu / nuダンスせず・ダンスせぬ
Past (ta)ダンスした
polite (mashita)ダンスしました
Past negative (nakatta)ダンスしなかった
polite (masen deshita)ダンスしませんでした
Te formダンスして
Potentialダンスできる
Passiveダンスされる
Causativeダンスさせる
Causative passiveダンスさせられる
Conditional (ba)ダンスすれば
taraダンスしたら
Volitionalダンスしよう
polite (mashou)ダンスしましょう
Imperativeダンスしろ

Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.

Synonyms & antonyms
  • Synonym舞踏ぶとうWrittenFormal written term for dancing, especially Western-style dance; in everyday speech 「ダンス」 is used instead. 「舞踏会」 specifically means a ball.
  • Synonym舞踊ぶようWrittenDance as a performing art, as in 「日本舞踊」「民族舞踊」; a written, formal word, while 「ダンス」 is the everyday choice.
  • Synonym踊りおどりNeutralNeutral native word for dance of any kind, as in 「盆踊り」 or 「踊りを習う」; 「ダンス」 tends to suggest Western or modern dance.
  • Synonym舞まいNeutralMainly whirling dances such as Noh and Japanese classical dance, as in 「舞を舞う」; has a classical flavor 「ダンス」 lacks.
  • Synonym踊るおどるNeutralThe verb for dancing, as in 「音楽に合わせて踊る」; very common in everyday speech.
  • Synonym舞蹈ぶとうWrittenAn alternative spelling of 「舞踏」 with the same meaning; a written word, rarely seen in modern Japanese.
  • Related舞うまうNeutralTo dance gracefully or to flutter and swirl, as in 「桜が舞う」; carries an elegant, whirling image that 「ダンス」 does not.
  • Related演舞えんぶNeutralPerforming a dance or martial-arts routine for an audience; the emphasis is on the performance, which 「ダンス」 does not imply.
  • Related乱舞らんぶWrittenWritten word for frenzied, boisterous dancing, as in 「狂喜乱舞」; stresses wild liveliness rather than dance in general.

Use 「ダンス」 for Western or modern dance. For dancing in general the everyday words are 「踊る」 and 「踊り」; 「舞踊」 is the formal word for dance as a performing art, 「舞」 for classical Japanese whirling dances, and 「舞う」 for graceful or fluttering movement. 「舞踏」 and 「舞蹈」 are formal written terms, 「演舞」 a dance performance, 「乱舞」 wild revelry.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese definitions
  1. 踊おどり。舞踊ぶよう。
English equivalents

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

Say it right, write it right

Core lookup works fully offline, with cloud pronunciation and one-tap save & review. Free, no sign-up.

Free downloadWindowsFree downloadmacOSDownload on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
MobileiOS / Android

Android

QR code for the Google Play pageGet it on Google Play

Scan it with your Android phone to install, or search for “Tomoshi” on Google Play.

iOS

QR code for the App Store pageDownload on the App Store

Scan it with your iPhone camera to install, or search for “Tomoshi” in the App Store.

Install the browser extensionLook words up on any web page · Chrome / Edge / Safari

Screenshot of a Tomoshi lookup resultScreenshot of Tomoshi lookup results on a phone

Windows macOS Chrome / Edge / Safari extension iOS / Android