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bailar means to dance — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: October 4, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

bailar

verb • /[bai-LAR]/

to dance

Example:

Vamos a bailar salsa.

Let’s dance salsa.

🧠 What does bailar mean?

Bailar literally means "to dance" in Spanish. While universally understood, it's frequently used in Mexican slang, sometimes with a broader meaning beyond simply moving to music. It can imply having a good time, going out to party, or even engaging in playful banter or flirting.

📚 Extra examples

  • ¡Vamos a bailar!
    Let's go dancing! / Let's go party!
  • Estuvimos bailando toda la noche.
    We were dancing all night.
  • Bailé con una chica muy guapa.
    I danced with a very pretty girl.
  • No bailo con cualquiera.
    I don't dance with just anyone (I'm selective).
  • ¿Quieres bailar?
    Would you like to dance? / Do you want to go out sometime?

💡 Did You Know?

Many Latin American countries have their own unique styles of dance, like salsa in Cuba, tango in Argentina, and cumbia in Colombia. 'Bailar' is the verb you'd use to describe participating in any of these!

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "bailar"

Synonyms: danzar, menear el esqueleto

🔍 See more mexican slang words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to dance' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'to dance' in Spanish is 'bailar'.
How do you pronounce 'bailar' in Spanish?
It's pronounced bye-LAHR, with the emphasis on the second syllable.
How do you use 'bailar' in a sentence?
You can use 'bailar' like this: 'Me encanta bailar salsa' (I love to dance salsa).
What is the English translation of 'bailar'?
'Bailar' translates to 'to dance' in English.
Does 'bailar' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'bailar' conjugates depending on who is doing the dancing. For example, 'yo bailo' (I dance), 'tú bailas' (you dance), 'él/ella/usted baila' (he/she/you formal dance), 'nosotros bailamos' (we dance), 'vosotros bailáis' (you all dance - Spain), 'ellos/ellas/ustedes bailan' (they/you all dance).
Is 'bailar' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'bailar' is a very common verb used in everyday conversations.
Does 'bailar' have slang or double meanings?
While its primary meaning is 'to dance', in Mexican slang, 'bailar' can sometimes also mean 'to party' or 'to have a good time', especially in phrases like 'vamos a bailar'. It can also suggest flirting or playful banter.
Is 'bailar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The core meaning remains the same, but in some Latin American countries like Mexico, 'bailar' can have slightly more nuanced slang meanings related to partying and socializing, as mentioned before.
How do you conjugate 'bailar' in Spanish?
Here's the present tense conjugation: Yo bailo Tú bailas Él/ella/usted baila Nosotros/nosotras bailamos Vosotros/vosotras bailáis (Spain) Ellos/ellas/ustedes bailan

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